ADMIRAL WIJEGUNARATNE’S VISIT OF SLNS VIDURA

Admiral RC Wijegunaratne is knonw as the founding father of Sri Lanka Navy Marine Corps. When he was the commander of the Navy in 2016, Admiral Wijegunaratne was able to take part in the US Pacific Command Amphibious Leaders Symposium in San Diego, California. Here naval leaders discussed new trends in amphibious operations. The Sri Lankan commander had already envisioned establishing a Marine element to enhance naval operations and the conference was a springboard for the new mission.

As a result, the first group consisting of 164 Marines including six officers and 158 sailors passed out on 27th February 2017 and in the present, it has strengthened by 581 personnel including 40 officers and 541 sailors. On 12th May 2023, Admiral Wijegunaratne once again visited the headquarters of Sri Lanka Navy Marines at SLNS Vidura. He was warmly welcomed by the Commanding officer, Commander SDSS Dayananda along with all the officers of SLNS Vidura. During the stay, he paid a visit to the snake bay, pier, RHIB yard and witnessed a rappelling demonstration followed by a reception at the wardroom.