Highlighting the historical context of the closure of the Suez Canal for a decade during the 1967 Israeli-Arab war and its effects on the Colombo port’s operations, President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the imperative of ensuring the security of the Suez Canal and the Red Sea to safeguard the economic interests of the country’s ports.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks while delivering a speech at the Presidential Fleet Review of the Sri Lanka Navy held this morning (01) at the Trincomalee Harbour.
Noting that the Sri Lanka Navy has been entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding Sri Lanka’s oceanic territories, including the Indian Ocean region, the President underscored that the nation’s economic initiatives will not be permitted to suffer any harm in the Indian Ocean.
During the ceremony, the President awarded President's Colours to the Sri Lanka Navy’s Special Boat Squadron for their dedicated efforts in advancing the country’s maritime aspirations and ensuring the security of Sri Lanka’s oceanic territories.
The event was further enhanced by a naval display performed by the navy’s special boat squadron and other warships.
Meanwhile, the President onboard a Dora vessel participated in observing the fleet of warships engaged in operations, which were anchored at sea and docked in the harbour. He formally inspected the warships SLNS Gajabahu, SLNS Samudura, SLNS Parakramabahu, SLNS Sagara, SLNS Udara, SLNS Shakthi, SLNS Nandimithra and SLNS Sayurala during this observation.
The event was attended by State Minister for Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, National Security Advisor and Chief of Staff to the President Sagala Ratnayaka, Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman and senior defence officials.
Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera presented a memento to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Meanwhile, the President also recorded his remarks in the logbook at the Naval Base.
