Mannar: The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), conducted a field visit to Mannar District to inspect the lands used by the North Western and North Central Naval Commands of the Sri Lanka Navy. The visit aimed to evaluate the naval facilities and oversee ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities and enhance maritime security.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the Deputy Minister was accompanied by several notable officials, including the Chairman of the Mannar District Coordination Committee, Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development Hon. Upali Samarasinghe, and Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran, M.P. from Wanni. The delegation reviewed the navy’s role in addressing the drug issues affecting the region and assessed the effectiveness of measures to bolster coastal and maritime security.

During the visit, Major General Jayasekara received operational briefings from the naval area commanders, highlighting the current progress and challenges faced by the naval forces. He commended the naval personnel for their efforts and provided directives to enhance their operational strategies.

The Deputy Minister’s inspection included visits to the lands in Mullikulam, Silawaturai, Thalaimannar, Wankalapadu, and Pallimunai. He engaged with local residents, focusing on housing issues, community challenges, and welfare concerns, particularly within the fishing community. The visit emphasized identifying solutions in coordination with relevant government authorities to address these local challenges.

The event was attended by the Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, representatives from Bishop House Mannar, the Divisional Secretary, commanders of the North West and North Central Naval Area, senior naval officers, and officials from the Survey and Forest Department.