Navy builds research vessel for Ruhunu University

Ridma Dissanayake

The Navy handed over a research vessel to the Ruhunu University yesterday at the SLNS Rangalla.This research vessel built by the SL Navy was handed over to the university under the patronage of Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage.

The vessel which is 14.8 metres in length and fitted with 350 Horse Power Diesel engine and Hamilton water jet was constructed under the Navy’s Inshore Patrol Craft Production Project, as per the technical specifications submitted by the University.

The Navy built its first ever research vessel for the use of the University’s Faculty of Fisheries, Marine Sciences and Technology free of labour cost as a gesture of goodwill under the Naval social responsibility project.

The collaborative effort reflects the Navy’s contribution to higher education in the country. It is hoped that it will pave the way for the enhancement of fisheries, marine science education and research in Sri Lanka.Ruhunu University Vice Chancellor Prof. Susirith Mindis, Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Damayantha Darmasiriwardene, Western Naval Area Commander Rear Admiral Rohan Amarasinghe, senior Naval officers and University officials were present on the occasion.