Naval Deployment Nachchikuda commissioned

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Naval Deployment Nachchikuda located in Mulankavil in the Kilinochchi district was commissioned as SLNS Buwaneka by Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake on Monday.

In keeping with traditional naval customs, Navy Commander handed over the Commissioning Warrant to the Commanding Officer of SLNS Buwaneka, Commander K.S. Dissanayake, who read it out declaring the commissioning of the naval base.

The Commissioning Pennant was hoisted thereafter followed by the customary flag salute. Religious dignitaries representing Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic faiths bestowed their blessings on the newly commissioned naval base.

Established under the direction of the Defence Ministry, the naval camp was ceremonially opened on August 25, 2011 by Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as Naval Deployment Nachchikuda. SLNS Buwaneka comes under the North Central Naval Command.

It is tasked with providing security to the North Western coastal belt as well as to civilians in Vedittaltivu, Illuppakadawai, Waleipadu and Devil's Point.

It also functions as deterrence against smuggling of drugs and contraband by sea and assists law-enforcement authorities to maintain law and order in the area.

North Central Naval Area Commander Rear Admiral Rohan Amarasinghe, senior naval officers attached to Naval Headquarters and naval personnel of the North Central Naval Command attended the ceremony.