Navy Commander praises skills, talents of SBS

Rafik Jalaldeen in Trincomalee

Using skill and talent for the wellbeing of all, is the main priority of a sailor’s life, said Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda at the passing out ceremony of the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) at the Tricomalee Navy Headquarters.

Admiral Karannagoda said it is a special day as we celebrate the end of three decades of terrorism. “We are living in a land free of terrorism,” he said.

Admiral Karannagoda observed that SBS training is hard and tough, and those who continue will be courageous and skilful sailors - over 300 candidates enlisted to the SBS and only 112 passed out after completing one and a half years training. This shows how difficult and tough the training is.

The Navy Commander requested the SBS sailors to use their skills and training for the good of others. The talents, capabilities and abilities of the SBS should be recognized by others.

He told the SBS sailors that their training is not complete with the passing out parade, but it continues throughout their lives.

He thanked the parents of the new SBS recruits for enlisting their children and recalled with pride the achievements of the Special Boat Squadron during the Eastern liberation. Admiral Karannagoda recalled in September 2006, the contribution made by the SBS in saving the Muttur camp. This enabled the Army to capture Sampur dealing a severe blow to the LTTE.

He said due to the vigilance of the Navy, LTTE leader Prabhakaran and his fellow terrorists were unable to flee.

The Navy setting up four defence lines using the Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) and other boats patrolled the coastal belt round the clock. The Navy dragnet was unbreachable, Karannagoda said.

Admiral Karannagoda said the moral and skills of the Navy is so high that even Sea Tiger leader Soosai’s family could not flee by sea. They were easily netted by the ever alert sailors.

“I am proud to say that my sailors played an integral part in the fight against terrorism, thus helping to bring peace and unity to the Motherland,” he said.