Navy awarded Presidential Colours for third time

Dinesh De Alwis

The Sri Lanka Navy was awarded ‘Presidential Colours’ for the third time in its 60-year history by President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Commander in Chief of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.

The Sri Lanka Navy Afloat Command, Eastern Command and Northern Command have been awarded ‘Presidential Colours’ for the exceptional services during the war period.

The colourful ceremony was held parallel to the Sri Lanka Navy Diamond Jubilee in accordance with Naval customs and traditions at the SLN headquarters yesterday.

The Sri Lanka Navy accorded a Guard of Honour to the President. President Mahinda Rajapaksa was accorded a 21 gun salute as part of the guard of honour.

The Presidential Colours for the Sri Lanka Navy Afloat Command was received by Sub. Lt. Yoshitha Rajapaksa, Presidential Colours for the Northern Naval Command was received by Lt Pradeep Jayawardene and Presidential Colours for the Eastern Naval Command was received by Lt. Thilina De Silva.

The SLN founded on December 9 1950. Earlier ‘Presidential Colours’ were awarded at the SLN’s 25th anniversary in 1975 and for the Naval and Maritime Academy in 2003.

A commemoration stamp and first day cover was also issued, Postal Services Ministry Secretary Ashoka Jayasekara and Post Master General M K B Dissanayake were also present.

High level military delegations representing 21 countries including several Navy Commanders also attended the ceremony.

Members of the Maha Sangha and other religious leaders,First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa,Ministeres,Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, Chief of Defence Staff and Air Force Commander Air Marshal Roshan Gunathilaka, Army Commander Major General Jagath Jayasuriya and Inspector General of Police Mahinda Balasuriya were also present.