Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) MURASAME which arrived in Sri Lanka on 22 Mar 25 for replenishment, departed the island today (25 Mar). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.

A delegation from the Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 called on the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda at the Navy Headquarters today (24 Mar 25). The delegation was led by Commander CTF-150, Commodore Rodger Ward.

The Sri Lanka Navy hosted the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) sponsored Regional Maritime Law Enforcement Instructor Course and Regional VBSS Fishing Vessel Boarding Officer Course at Special Boat Squadron Headquarters in Trincomalee. The courses concluded with a certificate awarding ceremony at Sober Island Resort on 20 Mar 25.

Marking the successful completion of an intensive programme, the 36th Junior Naval Staff Course culminated in a graduation ceremony held at the Auditorium of Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Trincomalee on 22 Mar 25. The ceremony was presided over by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, as the chief guest, with the attendance of the Deputy Chief of Staff and Commander Eastern Naval Area Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe.

In a ceremony marked by pride and tradition, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, at the invitation of Commanding Officer SBS, Commander Lakmal Weerakkodi, graced the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) insignia awarding and passing out ceremony held at SBS Headquarters, Trincomalee on 22 Mar 25. The dignified event which saw 02 officers and 34 sailors successfully completing their course (No 32), was a testament to the arduous SBS training and dedication of the naval personnel. The event was also dignified by the presence of the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Anusha Banagoda.

In line with its ongoing dedication to community service, the Sri Lanka Navy organized a clean-up initiative at Usgala Gemunu Maha Vidyalaya, Maho on 15 Mar 25. This effort was part of the "Clean Sri Lanka" campaign, a nationwide programme aimed at fostering an educational atmosphere that upholds national values, incorporates social ethics, and prioritizes environmental sustainability. The initiative revolves around the theme, "A School Full of Happiness," reflecting its focus on creating joyful and sustainable learning environments.

The Navy Boat Building Yard, Welisara on 17 Mar 25 hosted a significant event where sixty (60) kayaks and canoes, produced at the facility, were officially handed over to prominent sports clubs across the island. The event was presided over by the Commander of the Navy. This initiative was spearheaded by the Association for Canoeing and Kayaking in Sri Lanka with support from the International Canoe Federation.

In line with its ongoing dedication to community service, the Sri Lanka Navy organized a clean-up initiative at Pothuvil Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya, Ampara on 14 Mar 25. This effort was part of the "Clean Sri Lanka" campaign, a nationwide programme aimed at fostering an educational atmosphere that upholds national values, incorporates social ethics, and prioritizes environmental sustainability. The initiative revolves around the theme, "A School Full of Happiness," reflecting its focus on creating joyful and sustainable learning environments.

The annual feast of St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kachchativu, held on 14 and 15 Mar 25, was a vibrant celebration of faith and unity, drawing a large number of devotees from across India and Sri Lanka. The event saw the main mass led by prominent clergy, including the Bishop of Sivagangai Diocese in India, Rt. Revd. Dr. Lourdu Ananthan, Vicar General of Jaffna Diocese, Very Revd. Fr. P. J. Jebaratnam, Revd. Fr. Ciswan de Croos from Colombo Arch Diocese, Parish Priest of Rameswaram in India, Revd. Fr. Ashok and Parish Priest in Delft, Revd. Fr. P. Pathinathan. Organized by the Bishop of Jaffna Diocese, Rt. Revd. Justin Gnanapragasam and Jaffna District Secretary, Mr. Maruthalingam Piiratheepan, the festival was a testament to cross-border spiritual camaraderie. The Sri Lanka Navy, which received high praise from all communities present at the annual festival, played a pivotal role, lending its technical expertise and manpower to ensure seamless arrangements.

The Sri Lanka Navy today (17 Mar 25) bade farewell to Rear Admiral Prashantha Anthony who relinquished his duties to which he was committed over the past 34 years in the Sri Lanka Navy.