Navy inaugurates whale watching

Suraj A Bandara in Galle

The Sri Lanka Navy inaugurated a whale watching program for both local and foreign visitors from yesterday.

The A 543 passenger transport vessel will be used for this at a concessionary rate.

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Somathilaka Dissanayake participating at the inauguration tour said this concept was initiated with Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s directives.

He said the Forces under Government directives is contributing in every possible way to achieve sustainable development.

Making that dream a reality, the Sri Lankan Navy inaugurated the whale watching program for the entertainment of both local and foreign visitors. Sri Lanka is privileged with many resources which is hardly visible in other countries.

The whales usually visible 50 nautical miles away from the land but they could be seen in Sri Lanka just 30 miles away, he said.

Navy will arrange three hour and six hour tours according to visitors’ wishes. The rates will be very affordable.

This decision also took in line with the Government’s bid to develop the tourism sector.

The SLN will support the Government to realize its aim of becoming the Miracle of Asia. The sea voyage will be launched in the Northern waters from October to February where the whales are available in between Colombo and Kalpitiya waters.