VNF Annual Camp 2010 concludes successfully

A few decades back smuggling via coastal line influenced badly on spreading terrorism. Therefore Navy has a vital role in securing the coastal belt and as per the directives of the President and the Defence Secretary the Sri Lanka Navy is establishing new Naval Bases at strategically important coastal areas. Towards this the VNF too has a greater responsibility, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe said.

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe attended the Volunteer Naval Force Annual Camp Ceremonial Parade held at SLNS Thakshila on September 18. He was the Chief Guest at the event.

The Navy Commander expressed his appreciation at the yeoman service rendered by the Volunteer Naval Force for the betterment of Sri Lanka Navy. He said that they should be proud of their service, it is the responsibility of VNF personnel also to be more vigilant in their duties into stop the re-emergence of terrorism in Sri Lanka. The Navy Commander stressed that as per the concepts of President Mahinda Rajapaksa Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa Sri Lanka Navy has a vast responsibility towards national security.

He, while emphasizing the importance of honesty, discipline, commitment and professionalism in all Naval personnel advised them to look after their families as well.

He also paid tribute to the VNF personnel killed and wounded in action while fighting to liberate the Motherland from the LTTE terrorism. The Navy Commander also thanked the family members of the VNF personnel for their sacrifices.

The VNF Annual Training Camp is conducted to update the knowledge and skills of Volunteer Naval Force personnel. The event concludes with the Ceremonial Parade.

The Sri Lanka Volunteer Naval Force is the main arm of the Sri Lanka Navy in the civilian sphere with Naval Training vigilant in readiness to provide the assistance in times of national urgency and distress. It supplements and provides assistance to the Regular Naval Force with the execution of the role and tasks of the Navy drawing expertise from diverse fields in the civilian strata.

With the break out of terrorist in 1983, the Sri Lanka Volunteer Naval Force was actively engaged in fighting LTTE terrorism with 96 percent of its members being mobilized for war efforts.

A number of VNF personnel have been conferred with decorations for distinguished conduct and exceptional bravery in the face of the enemy.

Among them are a recipient awarded with one of the country’s highest decorations, the Weera Wickrama Vibhushanaya (WWV), three recipients of Rana Wickrema Padakkama (RWP) and eighteen recipients of Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP). One hundred and thirty-nine VNF personnel have sacrificed their lives whilst safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Motherland.