In a momentous ceremony held on 20th July 2023, sixty nine (69) of dedicated and skilled nurses proudly received their well-deserved diplomas, marking the successful completion of their nursing diploma course. This batch of naval nurses belong to the 2018 and 2019 batches of the Naval Nurses’ Training School in Welisara which is affiliated to Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Vice Chancellor of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Major General Milinda Peiris. The event was also attended by the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Jayantha Kularatne.

Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera embarked on an official visit to the North Central Naval Command on 18th, 19th and 20th July 2023. During this visit, he looked into the operational and welfare matters of the command and addressed a cross-section of officers and sailors at SLNS Thammanna. In his addresses, the Commander of the Navy emphasized the importance of operational readiness and shed light on as how to address various challenges confronted by naval personnel.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Destroyer SAMIDARE today (20th July 2023) arrived at the port of Colombo on an official visit. Upon her arrival, she was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions.

Commodore Chandima Silva assumed duties as Acting Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet (FOCNF) at his office in the Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee on 19th July 2023.

Commander Northwestern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Nishantha Peiris on 18th July 2023 presided over the insignia pinning and certificate awarding ceremony of the Bomb Disposal Qualifying Course conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy’s Bomb Disposal Training School in Maho.

As part of social responsibility initiatives being implemented under the patronage of Director of Hospital Services Council Sri Lanka, Rajakeeya Panditha Ven. Rajawelle Subuthi Thera, a magnanimous programme focused on distribution of medical equipment to government hospitals, including the Navy General Hospital, Welisara was held at the Naval complex in Welisara on 17th July 2023. The programme which was a significant gesture aimed at bolstering healthcare services, was also attended by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera.

The U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Juli Chung visited the newly established ‘Malima Diving Club’ at the Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee on 15th July 2023. The occasion was attended by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and a group of senior officers from the Eastern Naval Command.

The French Naval Ship Lorraine which arrived in Colombo on 11th July 2023 on a formal visit, departed the island today (15th July). The Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship in accordance with naval tradition at the port of Colombo. On her departure, Lorraine also conducted a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Gajabahu.

Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera embarked on an official visit to Trincomalee-North in the Eastern Naval Command on 14th July 2023. During this visit, he focused on operational and welfare concerns in the area.

The operation of the Cafeteria of multi-functional hall, that is being constructed at the Naval Complex Welisara was commenced on 14th July 2023. At the directives of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the occasion was graced by the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Jayantha Kularatne. This facility has been proposed to be constructed to offer a wide array of welfare provisions to naval personnel and with a view to hold various functions organised by the Sri Lanka Navy.