7th MARINE DAY
The 7th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Navy Marine Corps was held on 27th February 2024. Sri Lanka Navy Marines became a specially trained and a qualified unit of Sri Lanka Navy on 27th February 2017. Throughout past 7 years, Sri Lanka Navy Marines served the country in various aspects such as anti-smuggling, HADR operations, security duties and also, participated for an ample of local and foreign trainings exercises as well. To celebrate this prestigious day, Marines at SLNS Vidura organized several events including Traditional Naval Customs, religious events, charities and some leisure events under the supervision of the Commanding Officer 1st Marine Battalion, Commander L.G.D.M.S. Dissanayake. Some of the glimpse of the major events took place for the 7th Anniversary are as follows.
Performing religious rituals at Katharagama on 10th February 2024 with the presence of the Commandant SLNS Vidura, Commodore R. Dissanayake and the Commanding Officer 1st Marine Battalion, Commander L.G.D.M.S. Dissanayake.
The Commander Eastern Naval Area, Commanding officer Fast Attack Craft Flotilla , Commanding officer Special Boat Squadron and Command Operations Officer (E) were also participated the exercise on the second day in order to observe the proceedings and also to provide an encouragement for the officers involving in the exercise. NOIC (TS) and Commanding Officer SLNS Kashyapa were also present in the beach head to welcome the Commander Eastern Naval Area. Exercise was successful terminated in the evening of 20th.
Milk rice puja at Sri Maha Bodhi premises on 14th February 2024 under the supervision of the Commanding Officer 1st Marine Battalion.
Giving away a lunch to 50 children with special needs at “Sathuta” children orphanage at Jaffna junction, Anuradhapura on 14th February 2024 with the initiative of the Commanding Officer 1st Marine Battalion.
Attending to church service at Saint Anthony’s Church on 15th February 2024 to be strengthen with the God’s blessings for the upcoming year.
Performing religious rituals at Sampur Kali Kovil and Gana Devi Kovil on 17th February 2024 with the participation of the Commandant SLNS Vidura, Commodore R. Dissanayake
Bodi Puja Ritual at the temple premises of SLNS Vidura on 18th February 2024 and almsgiving on following day with the presence of the Deputy Commander Eastern Naval Area, Commodore B. Liyanagamage and all the Officers and silors of SLNS Vidura.
Admiral R.C. Wijegunarathne Challenge trophy, Open long sea swimming and Beach volleyball tournament on 24th February 2024 with the participation of competitors from all the bases of Eastern Naval Area.
Demarketing 7th Anniversary by Morning Divisions of the Commanding Officer followed by “Bada Kana” on 26th February 2024, going along with the Naval Customs and Traditions.
Cake cutting ceremony 7th Marine day took place on 27th February 2024. This is a unique traditional event of Sri Lanka Navy Marines and it was graced by the presence of the Commander Eastern Naval Area Rear Admiral P.S. De Silva, Director Marine Commodore P.A.S.K. Pitigala, Commandant SLNS Vidura Commodore R. Dissanayake and all the Officers and key sailors of Sri Lanka Navy Marines.
The “Way Forward” meeting with the presence of Director Marine, Commodore P.A.S.K. Pitigala was held on 27th February 2024. This meeting is a major event of the Marine day where all the Officers and key sailors comes together to discuss and plan the upcoming year for the betterment of Sri Lanka Navy and the Marines.
Marines’ 7th Anniversary Musical Night was held on 27th February 2024 with the presence of the Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Navy Rear Admiral Pradeep Rathnayake, the Commander Eastern Naval Area Rear Admiral P.S. De Sillva and other key appointment holders of Eastern Command as specially invited guests. Also, retired Marine Officers and sailors were invited to this colorful night and it demarcated the conclusion of the 7th Marine day by giving an utmost enjoyment to all the invitees and Marines who were present.
