Navy hosts Sailors’ Get-together in Welisara, giving pride of place to traditions

In view of the 75th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Navy, a Sailors’ Get-together was held at ‘Wave n’ Lake’ Navy Hall in Welisara on 07 Nov 25. The event was organized as part of a series of celebratory programmes marking this significant 75-year milestone in the Navy’s proud journey.

The gathering brought together a large group of retired senior sailors as well as serving senior and junior sailors representing all Naval Commands. It provided an ideal platform for them to reconnect, share service experiences, and reflect on life after retirement, fostering camaraderie across generations of naval personnel.

Addressing the gathering, Vice Admiral Banagoda paid tribute to the invaluable role of sailors in shaping the Navy’s distinguished history. He honoured the memory of naval personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation and emphasized the importance of maintaining the same level of dedication and discipline that has defined the Navy’s legacy. The Navy Commander also urged senior sailors to guide their subordinates and called upon all naval personnel to extend their unwavering commitment to combating the menace of drugs, protecting future generations.

Adding colour and vibrancy to the occasion were musical and dance performances by the Navy Band and Dancing Troupe, while participants also enjoyed a traditional naval meal partaking, symbolizing unity and fellowship within the naval family.

The event featured speeches by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy AHD Weerathunga, Master Chief Petty Officer KP Chaminda (Retd) and Woman Chief Petty Officer SADJT Samarasinghe (Retd), who shared their reflections on naval service.

The Chief of Staff of the Navy, the Deputy Chief of Staff cum Director General Logistics, senior officers from the Board of Management, the Commander Western Naval Area cum Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Area Commanders, flag rank officers, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy and both retired and serving sailors as well as women sailors attended this event.