The visit was aimed at reviewing the Navy's active role in eradicating the drug menace that has gripped the country, obtaining briefings on operational progress, providing necessary guidance to further strengthen the programme, and expressing the Government's appreciation to the dedicated naval personnel engaged in this national endeavour.
Upon arrival at Navy Headquarters, the Deputy Minister was accorded a traditional naval reception by the Commander of the Navy. He was subsequently accompanied to the Special Operations Centre, where the Commander of the Navy and senior officers of the naval hierarchy delivered a comprehensive briefing on the scope and current progress of the Navy's mission under the ‘Ratama Ekata’ programme.
The briefing covered the modern tactical and strategic methodologies being employed against drug trafficking operations and networks across the island’s maritime and land borders.
The Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting an extensive and uninterrupted operational network encompassing the vast ocean surrounding the island as well as inland areas, deploying all available resources and personnel with total dedication to safeguard future generations of the nation from this deadly threat.
Addressing naval officers and ratings at the conclusion of the visit, the Deputy Minister of Defence expressed his appreciation for the comprehensive operations being carried out by the Sri Lanka Navy, particularly in maintaining continuous maritime surveillance and presence around the island.
He commended the Navy’s exemplary service and provided directives on expanding and technologically enhancing ongoing operations in line with current operational requirements, with a view to reinforcing national security under a stronger and more robust framework.
The Deputy Minister further emphasised that the extraordinary dedication demonstrated by the Sri Lanka Navy towards building a drug-free nation deserves the respect and admiration of the entire country. He assured that the Government would extend its fullest support to sustain and strengthen this national programme.
The Chief of Staff of the Navy and several other senior naval officers were also present on this occasion.
