In a grand ceremony marked by pride and tradition, 15 midshipmen and 23 officers of the Sri Lanka Navy were commissioned into service at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) in Trincomalee on 26 Jul 25. The event, held at the NMA parade ground, celebrated the culmination of training and the beginning of a noble career dedicated to safeguarding the nation.

In a backdrop where the ‘Trincomalee Naval Exercise - 2025’ (TRINEX-25) is in full swing off the eastern coast, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda conducted an review of the ongoing sea phase exercises, embarked on SLNS Gajabahu today (25 Jul 25).

In a significant step towards improving public health through Naval Social Responsibility (NSR) initiatives, 03 Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants, set up by the Sri Lanka Navy, were declared open in Aluthpunchikulam, Meewellewa and Sri Rathanachethiyarama Viharaya in Amunuchchiya, Anuradhapura on 23 Jul 25.

The Commanding Officers (COs) of the shore establishments gathered on 23 Jul 25 for the COs’ Conclave 2025, a strategic forum designed to discuss operational readiness of shore establishments of the Navy. Presided over by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, the meeting took place at the Navy Headquarters. In attendance were the Navy Chief of Staff and Director Generals of the Navy.

The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) launched ‘Trincomalee Naval Exercise - 2025’ (TRINEX – 25) today (22 Jul 25) at the Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee with the Commander Eastern Naval Area Rear Admiral Ravindra Tissera presiding over the ceremony. Set to run until 26 July, the action-packed exercise will unfold in Trincomalee Harbour and eastern waters, showcasing the might of naval ships, Fast Attack Craft, elite Special Boat Squadron, Navy Marines, and Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) assets.

A new Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant, set up by the Sri Lanka Navy, was officially opened on 16 Jul 25 at the Sri Wimalarama Purana Viharaya in Hiddana, Gokarella. The project was made possible through the industrial expertise of the Sri Lanka Navy, with funding support from Wing Commander Pulasthi Weerasinghe (Retd) and his family members.

A one-day sailor/ other rank centric workshop, led by the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy PRMGB Pussalamankada and attended by Warrant Officers from the tri-services, was held on 16 Jul 25 at the Navy Headquarters. On the sidelines of the programme, the group of Warrant Officers had the privilege of meeting with the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda as well.

The Sri Lanka Navy marked another proud milestone as 410 recruits from the 258th and 259th intakes successfully completed their basic training in a dignified ceremony at the parade ground of SLNS Nipuna in Boossa on 18 Jul 25. Among the newly passed out sailors were 368 Regular Naval Force personnel and 42 from the Volunteer Naval Force, reinforcing the Navy’s mission to strengthen maritime defence. The event was graced by the Deputy Chief of Staff cum Commander Western Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Chandima Silva at the invitation of the Commandant and Commanding Officer SLNS Nipuna, Captain Lohitha De Silva.

In continuation of Naval Social Responsibility initiatives, the Navy conducted a series of mobile dental clinics from 13 to 16 Jul 25. The programmes were held in the Ampara District, in celebration of the World Oral Health Day, World Children’s Day and 75th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Navy.

The Special Boat Squadron (SBS) of the Sri Lanka Navy concluded its Asymmetric Warfare Course-2025 on 12 Jul 25 with a certificate awarding and insignia pinning ceremony at the SBS Headquarters. The ceremony was graced by The Commander Eastern Naval Area, as the Chief Guest.