Heroes' welcome for gallant men of sea

Ranil Wijayapala in Trincomalee

TRINCOMALEE: The Nation paid the highest tribute to the brave men of the sea from the Sri Lanka Navy who achieved the biggest victory in the Navy's 57- year- old history, as they reached the Trincomalee harbour completing their week long mission in the deep seas 1,400 kms offshore, with President Mahinda Rajapaksa receiving their salute at the Eastern Naval Headquarters.

The Nation witnessed the arrival of the brave men from their victorious mission, with President Rajapaksa as the Head of State and the Commander in Chief for the first time in the Navy's history attending the traditional ceremonial reception of men of the war.

President Rajapaksa received the Naval salute as the Dockyard Signal Station gave the flag signal "Well Done SLN, Expect Every Man will do his duty" with the hoisting of 37 flags in different colours depicting the English alphabet according to International Maritime Signals.

Hundreds of sailors attended the event, to cheer the brave sailors on-board the six Naval vessels waving their caps while their near and dear ones witnessed their arrival from the new jetty constructed by the Navy at the Trincomalee Naval Base.

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda the man behind the whole operation along with Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Cabinet Ministers received the Navy salute from the Dockyard Signal Station.

The victorious six Naval ships escorted by Water Jets, Dvora Fast Attack Craft and Gun Boats arrived at the Trincomalee harbour at 11.30 a.m. with sailors saluting them from the shore.

Indian built OPV Sayura, the leading ship in the Naval operation arrived at the harbour first. It was followed by Israeli built SLN Suranimala, US built SLN Samudura, Chinese built SLN Shakthi and the two Logistics ships A-520 and A-521.

According to the Navy this was the biggest victory they achieved in its 57 year history, where they sunk three arms and explosive smuggling vessels within 24 hours.

After receiving the Navy salute President Rajapaksa, offered Presidential Commendations to the Navy men who contributed to this successful operation.

Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Prof. G.L. Peiris, Milinda Moragoda, Douglas Devananda, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera and Commander of the Eastern Naval Area Rear Admiral Tisara Samarasinghe also participated.