Presidential colours for N-E Naval Commands

by Ranil WIJAYAPALA

The Northern and Eastern Naval Commands of the Sri Lanka Navy and the Navy Fleet are set to receive Presidential colours when the Sri Lanka Navy celebrates its diamond jubilee on December 9, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe said.

He said Presidential colours were earlier awarded to the Sri Lanka Navy Maritime Academy when the Sri Lanka Navy celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Samarasinghe said delegations from 22 countries are expected to participate in the grand celebrations from December 1 at the Navy Headquarters.

Delegations from Russia, China, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Nigeria, South Africa, India, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Iran and France are expected to participate in these celebrations.

Six warships from China, Russia, Korea, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh will call at the Colombo harbour to mark the 60th anniversary celebrations.

“A Naval and Maritime symposium on “Sustainable Support for Security and Safety at Sea” will be held on December 8, at the Navy Headquarters with the participation of foreign delegates.

The International Sailing Regatta in the seas off Galle Face Green on December 8 at 4 pm with the participation of teams from abroad including teams from the Navies participating in the celebrations and International Band Fiesta and Cultural Show at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on December 8, will also be part of the celebrations. A Naval and maritime exhibition will be held at the Colombo Light House premises from December 4 to 6 and December 9 to 12 to enable the public to board ships docked at the Colombo Port during the exhibition.

The Navy Commander said that priority had been given for the welfare of disabled sailors and family members of fallen war heroes during the diamond jubilee celebrations.