SRI LANKA NAVY SBS RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL COLOURS

Marking a historic milestone, the President’s Colours were awarded to the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) of the Sri Lanka Navy at a proud and colourful ceremony held at the SBS Ground, Naval Base in Trincomalee today (01 March) under the patronage of His Excellency the President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The awarding ceremony took place after a Presidential Fleet Review at Trincomalee Harbour by the President on board a Fast Attack Craft and received the salute from the naval fleet of Sri Lanka Navy.

Following the fleet review, the President was ceremonially accompanied to the SBS Grounds for the Colours Awarding Ceremony. The president acknowledging the exceptional service of the SBS to the nation, awarded the Colours in accordance with elegant military formalities. Addressing the gathered audience, President Wickremesinghe commended the crucial role played by the SBS, emphasising their dedication to protecting the motherland from diverse threats that arose from the sea. The day's programme also included a combat skill display of the SBS to showcase the combat readiness and excellent skills excelled by the members.

At the invitation extended by the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, RSP **, USP, ndu, psc, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil attended the event. During the event, CDS congratulated the Commander and the members of the Sri Lanka Navy particularly the members of the SBS for the historic achievement. He also acknowledged the hard work and commitments of the past members in achieving the success the SBS experiences today.

In addition to the Colours Awarding Ceremony, President Wickremesinghe received a policy paper titled "Naval Strategy 2030 and Beyond," signifying a forward-looking approach to maritime defence. The President also participated in few ceremonial activities symbolizing growth and resilience in the Navy's endeavours.

Among the distinguished attendees were the Governor of Eastern Province Hon Senthil Thondaman, National Security Advisor Mr Sagala Ratnayaka, State Minister of Defence Honourable Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc MPhil, past Commanding Officers of SBS, senior naval and regional military officers, and esteemed guests.