Ensuring Red Sea security vital to protect Lanka port economics

President Ranil Wickremesinghe says the Sri Lanka Navy is entrusted with safeguarding Sri Lanka’s oceanic territories, including the Indian Ocean region. He underscored that the nation’s economic initiatives will not be permitted to suffer any harm in the Indian Ocean.

Additionally, the President highlighted the historical context of the closure of the Suez Canal for a decade during the 1967 Israeli-Arab war and its effects on the Colombo port’s operations.

He emphasized the imperative of ensuring the security of the Suez Canal and the Red Sea to safeguard the economic interests of the country’s ports.

President Wickremesinghe made these remarks while delivering a speech at the Presidential Fleet Review of the Sri Lanka Navy held this morning (March 01) at the Trincomalee Harbour.

As Commander-in-Chief, President Ranil Wickremesinghe was warmly welcomed with a guard of honor by the Sri Lanka Navy upon his arrival at the Trincomalee Naval Base.

During the ceremony, the President awarded President Colours to the Sri Lanka Navy’s Special Boat Squadron for their dedicated efforts in advancing the country’s maritime aspirations and ensuring the security of Sri Lanka’s oceanic territories.

The event was further enhanced by a naval display performed by the navy’s special boat squadron and other warships.

Meanwhile, the President, onboard a Dora vessel, participated in observing the fleet of warships engaged in operations, which were anchored at sea and docked in the harbour.

The Commander-in-Chief, President Wickremesinghe, formally inspected the warships SLNS Gajabahu, SLNS Samudura, SLNS Parakramabahu, SLNS Sagara, SLNS Udara, SLNS Shakthi, SLNS Nandimithra and SLNS Sayurala during this observation.

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera presented a memento to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Meanwhile, the President also recorded his remarks in the logbook at the Naval Base.