Commander of the Navy visits North Central Naval Command

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda conducted a formal visit to the North Central Naval Command on 12th and 13th January 2025. The visit aimed to evaluate operational activities, construction progress, welfare programmes, and training initiatives at SLNS Pandukabhaya, SLNS Shiksha, SLNS Thammanna, and SLNS Gajaba. During his visit, he addressed a cross section of naval personnel, emphasizing the Sri Lanka Navy's role in achieving maritime security objectives.

On 12th January, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda commenced his visit after paying homage to the Atamasthana (eight sacred sites). Accompanied by Rear Admiral Jagath Kumara, the Commander North Central Naval Area, and other senior officers, he inspected SLNS Pandukabhaya and SLNS Shiksha. He reviewed operational activities, construction projects, welfare programmes, and training efforts, offering guidance to ensure excellence in these areas.

On 13th January, the Navy Chief visited SLNS Thammanna, SLNS Gajaba, and the Naval Detachments at Oluthuduwai and Thavulpadu. He examined small boat operations, repair and maintenance work, construction projects, and the welfare and accommodation facilities for naval personnel, providing advice to uphold high standards.

At SLNS Shiksha, he addressed officers and sailors from both SLNS Shiksha and SLNS Pandukabhaya. Similarly, he met with naval personnel from SLNS Thammanna, SLNS Gajaba, SLNS Pussadewa, and the detachments at Oluthuduwai and Thavulpadu at SLNS Thammanna.

In his address to naval personnel, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda emphasized the need for maximum contribution from all personnel to achieve the Sri Lanka Navy's maritime security objectives, aligned with the strategic decisions of the Government. He stressed the importance of promptly addressing sailors' concerns through strong officer-sailor relationships, highlighting the significant responsibility senior sailors hold in fostering such relationships. Vice Admiral Banagoda also underscored the critical role of senior sailors in shaping the Navy's future. He called for unwavering commitment to naval operations within Sri Lanka's maritime zones and beyond into international waters.

He further highlighted the Navy's responsibility in addressing emerging challenges and non-traditional maritime threats, including drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and conducting search and rescue operations. Additionally, he emphasized the effective deployment of naval resources, skills, and personnel in key initiatives such as the Clean Sri Lanka National Programme, urging all personnel to dedicate themselves to this mission with determination.