The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda graced the 60th anniversary celebration of the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) Diving and Salvage Unit at the Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee, today (11th January 2025). Established on 08th January 1965, the Diving and Salvage Unit plays a critical role in underwater operations, including demolitions, construction, repairs, rescue missions, recovery, and salvage activities.

A charity group led by Mr. Dinesh Weerakkodi, the President of Buddhist Council Victoria, Australia and monks from Atisha Buddhist Centre, Bendigo visited the Naval Care Center ‘Anchorage’ in Welisara on 09th January 2025. The purpose of the visit was to extend financial support for the construction of a hydrotherapy pool at ‘Anchorage’ to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of dependent naval war heroes in rehabilitation.

The Sri Lanka Navy introduced a new website (visitdockyard.navy.lk) to streamline the application process for visiting the Naval Dockyard in Trincomalee, ensuring efficiency and ease of use for both applicants and administrative personnel. The Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy and Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Damian Fernando, officially launched the website at the main entrance of Naval Dockyard on 08th January 2025.

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda paid homage to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy today (08th January 2025). In addition, he also paid his obeisance to the Mahanayake Theros of Malwatta and Asgiriya monastic establishments. The visit which marked the Navy Chief’s maiden visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic since assuming the office as the 26th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, was aimed at invoking blessings for the Navy's future endeavours. During this visit, the Commander of the Navy was accompanied by the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Anusha Banagoda.

Midshipman TMIV Thennakoon of the Sri Lanka Navy achieved a historic milestone by receiving the prestigious Sword of Honour for Best Midshipman, after successful completion of his training at the Pakistan Naval Academy, Karachi. This remarkable achievement was recognized during the commissioning parade held at the Pakistan Naval Academy on 04th January 2025. Appreciative of his achievement, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda awarded a Letter of Commendation to Midshipman TMIV Thennakoon at the Navy Headquarters yesterday (06th January). Meanwhile, the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) congratulated Midshipman Thennakoon today (07th January), for setting such a remarkable standard for officer under trainees across the tri-services and being an inspiring example for the youth.

The Sri Lanka Navy paid final tribute to Ex-Petty Officer Arulanandam Mariampillai, a veteran of the Royal Ceylon Navy, during a solemn ceremony on Kayts Island on 02nd January 2025. The tribute, conducted with precision and in accordance with naval traditions, followed his passing on 31st December 2024.

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda paid a courtesy call on Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) at his office today (02nd January 2025).

The Sri Lanka Navy commenced the first working day of New Year today (01st January 2025), pledging its support for the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, in parallel with the national ceremony held in this regard. Naval personnel from Navy Headquarters, all naval establishments and ships commenced the day by attending the solemn occasion where the national flag was hosted and national anthem was sung.

The Sri Lanka Navy assumed the customary responsibilities of hoisting the National Flag at Galle Face and performing the Ceremonial Guard at the President’s House, taking over from the Sri Lanka Army. The duties were officially handed over at Galle Face and Navy Headquarters on 31st December 2024 and 01st January 2025.

Two (02) more Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants, built as part of the Naval Social Responsibility (NSR) Project by the Navy's Research and Development Unit, were declared open on 31st December 2024. The project, initiated by the Ministry of Health, was funded by Outreach Projects (Guarantee) Limited. The facilities were installed at the village of Bedumela in the Elahera Divisional Secretariat and Bakamuna of Maluwayaya, Galmulla in the Polonnaruwa district. Also, these facilities mark the 1074th and 1075th units delivered under the NSR Project.