Naval Exhibition open to the public

The public can view the Naval and Maritime diamond jubilee exhibition held by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Light House exhibition venue from December 4 to December 12, 2010 except on December 7 and 8.

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa opened the exhibition on December 5, 2010. He was received by Navy Commander Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, upon his arrival at the venue accompanied by Army Commander Lieutenal General Jagath Jayasooriya, Police Chief Mahinda Balasooriya, Sri Lanka Coast Guard Rear Admiral (rtd) Ananda Peiris and National Security Media Centre Director General Lakshman Hulugalle.

The Defence Secretary viewed the live sea demonstration held by the Special Boat Squadron and the Rapid Action Boat Squadron Boat Squadron which was followed by the cultural show presented by the Navy band and cultural troupe.

As Sri Lanka Navy is a composite complement of personnel from all faiths, religious ceremonies were held at the outset to invoke blessings on all the brave Navy personnel who made sacrifices to safeguard the sovereignty of the country.

A joint Christian commemoration and thanksgiving was held at St Lucia's Cathedral in Kotahena and a special pooja was held at Sri Ponnambalawaneshwarar kovil Kotahena while the Islamic ceremony took place at Fort Jumma Masjide in Chattam Street, Colombo. An all night pirith ceremony was held at SLNS Gemunu, Welisara on December 4, 2010. Navy Commander Thisara Samarasinghe and many other high ranking officers took part in these events.