Colombo: Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) made his first official visit to the Navy Headquarters since assuming office as Defence Secretary. The Defence Secretary was received by the Commander Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, and was accorded a Guard of Honour by Navy troops on his arrival at the Naval Headquarters this morning.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera extended a warm welcome to the Defence Secretary before introducing the senior officers at the Navy Headquarters. Subsequently, the Defence Secretary and the Navy Commander engaged in a cordial discussion where matters of importance and mutual relevance were discussed. This was followed by a presentation on the structure, role, and operations of the Navy conducted by the senior naval officers.

Addressing the naval personnel, the Defence Secretary recollected the contribution of the Navy in ending the three-decade-long terrorist war and ap
preciated its role in protecting the country’s marine resources, facing challenges in shallow and high seas to ensure national security, and curbing illegal trafficking in national waters.

Before concluding his visit, the Defence Secretary exchanged mementos with the Navy Commander and left compliments in the Visitors’ book. Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, the Military Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Defence, senior Navy officers, and other naval personnel were present at the occasion.