Navy Diamond jubilee celebrations:

Top Navy delegation here on December 9

Exhibition at Navy headquarters:

Dinesh DE ALWIS

A high level military delegation representing 22 countries including several Navy Commanders are expected in Sri Lanka to attend the Sri Lanka Navy Diamond Jubilee on December 9.

The delegation includes high profile Navy officers from China, Russia, USA, UK, India, France, Iran, Canada, Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Singapore, said Navy Commander Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe.

Addressing a media briefing yesterday, he said that with the delegation, eight foreign vessels will arrive at the Colombo port on December 8 and leave the port on December 11. Vessels from China, Russia, Korea, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh will be here to participate in the anniversary celebrations, he said.

The officers will participate in the international conference under the theme ‘Sustainable Support for Safety,Security in the Sea’ on December 8 at the Naval Headquarters in Colombo.

The Navy has planned a series of programs to commemorate the 60th anniversary.

The program will be held from December 4 to 12.

Parallel to the anniversary, there will be a exhibition at the Navy Headquarters in Colombo. The Naval and maritime exhibition will be open to the public from December 4 to 12 from 10 am to 9 pm. The exhibition will not be open to public on December 7 and 8.

Public can view the past 60 years glory of the Sri Lanka Navy and the ships and boats used for the humanitarian operation. Cultural and musical shows will also be held.

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinge, Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral DWAS Dissanayake, Deputy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral S M B Weerasekare,Rear Admiral J C Hettigala, Rear Admiral WWKN Weerakoon,Read Admiral M Pemathilake, Rear Admiral GM Goonasekare and Surgeon Rear Admiral L Ekanayake at the press conference yesterday.