"The world is ready to share our Naval experience", says Secretary
Defence
Sri Lanka Navy is one of the best Naval wings in the
world
The world is ready to share the experience of the Sri
Lanka Navy's capability of defeating terrorism. The Sri Lanka Navy is
considered one of the most powerful Naval troops in the world to have
defeated and disabled the LTTE sea wing.
Speaking at the ceremony in tribute of the gallant
Naval personnel at the Navy Dockyard in Trincomalee, yesterday (Aug 28),
chief guest Defence Secretary Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa said the Naval
troops were dedicated to protect the nation and had made an immense
contribution in defeating terrorism.
"I praise their efforts and dedication in protecting
the territorial integrity, sovereignty and unity of the motherland," he
added.
He observed that the Naval troops were the main
obstacle to the LTTE cadres in bringing arms and weapons via sea.
"The Navy destroyed eight of the LTTE floating stores
(vessels) in the local and international seas. This prevented the LTTE
from bringing in arms and face severe shortage of arms and weapon during
the last battle against the Security Forces," he added.
Secretary Defence said the Naval troops maintained
logistic needs and lifelines to the North. When the Sea Tigers attempted
to attack the Jet Liner ship carrying unarmed troops, it was foiled by
the sailors in action.
The LTTE's strategic move to take over the Trincomalee
harbour and attack the Security Forces installations was thwarted by the
Naval troops.
Her further asserted that the Sri Lanka Navy is one of
the best Naval wings in the world which destroyed the terrorist movement
in the sea with its limited resources and technology.
"The Navy using its Special Boat Squadron (SBS)
destroyed many of the LTTE suicide boats and movements in the sea. There
are countries which possessed high sophisticated sea power but were
unable to prevent terror movements.
Many countries had requested the Defence Ministry to
let them share the experience of the Sri Lanka Navy. Foreign defence
delegations wanted to come to Sri Lanka and acquire techniques of the
Sri Lanka Navy," he said.
Sri Lanka Navy members will be sent abroad to enlarge
their experience and acquire more knowledge in Maritime work, he said.
Mr. Rajapaksa emphasized that the Sri Lanka Navy will
have greater responsibility in the future to protect our territorial
waters and prevent illegal activities.
He also thanked the Indian Government for facilitating
the acquisition of this vessel for the Sri Lankan Government. "The
gesture of goodwill by the Indian Government will strengthen the
bilateral relations and build better cooperation between the two
neighbouring countries," he added.
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