Navy launches bottled drinking water project

The bottled drinking water project was launched under the direction of Naval Health Services director general Rear Admiral NELW Jayasekera.

The Navy launched a bottled drinking water project at Andankulam in Trincomalee. Naval Health Services director general Surgeon Rear Admiral NELW Jayasekera opened the project on June 24. The first water bottle, marketed under the brand name Blue Water, was presented to Ven Ahungalle Siri Seela Wishudhi Anu Nayake thera of Uppuweli Sri Dharmavijaya Buddhist Centre.

Meanwhile, Naval personnel attached to SLNS Elara in Karainagar commenced a mangrove tree planting campaign to ensure the conservation of environment in the area.

They planted over 4,000 manda saplings in the land stretch that extends bordering the lagoon and the road way.

Measures are under way to expand the planting of mangroves that best suit the terrain. Once grown, the trees will protect the coastal area from erosion, winds and tidal waves. They will also give sustenance to a host of marine animals creating habitats conducive for the preservation of the surrounding environment.

Meanwhile, bringing the Navy’s newest nautical enterprise, whale watching, more accessible to the public, Sri Lanka Navy has launched a website containing all details of tour packages on offer to catch the world’s largest mammal in action in Sri Lankan waters. Commander Eastern Naval Area Rear Admiral Jayanath Colombage launched the web site http://whalewatching.navy.lk in the presence of senior naval officers at the Eastern Naval Command Headquarters in Trincomalee on June 23.

Whale watching enthusiasts can now log on to the website and access the package details along with a host of facilities and schedules available. They can also view photos and videos taken on cruises.

The Navy embarked on whale watching cruises, initially in the southern seas off Galle in January this year, utilizing naval assets and expertise for efforts geared towards national development under the direction of Commander Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake.

With the change of season, the Navy shifted its whale watching cruises to the Eastern coast with effect from June 6. Whale enthusiasts can now enjoy whale watching onboard Navy’s passenger vessel A 543 in Trincomalee. A range of whale watching cruises designed for the convenience of whale enthusiasts are available and details can be obtained on hotline +94 777323050 or from the web site http://whalewatching-navy.lk.