SLNS ‘Sayurala’, an Off Shore Patrol Vessel acquired in August 2008 was commissioned at the Sri Lanka Navy Dockyard, Trincomalee today (28th August 2009) by the Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order Mr.Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The Commissioning Ceremony was attended by the Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe and large number of Naval Personnel with traditional Naval Customs and Ceremonies taking precedence.
The former Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Vigraha’ joined the Sri Lanka Navy fleet on 23rd August 2008 and was assigned Pennant Number P 623. The OPV was built by Mazagon Dockyard Ltd, of Mumbai in India in 1990. With a length of 74.10m and breath of 11.40m, it has a speed of a maximum 21.5 Knots. Its draught is 3.58m maximum. The Net registered tonnage is 750 Tons and Gross registered tonnage is 1247 Tons. The Vessel is equipped with Marine Surveillance Radar and Communication equipment for the assigned role in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
The Commissioning Ceremony began at 0845hrs with the arrival of invitees and guests. The Chief Guest, Secretary of Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa handed over the Commissioning Warrant to the Commanding Officer of the Vessel Captain SA Weerasinghe. The Commissioning Warrant was read by the Commanding Officer followed by the ceremonial breaking of the Commissioning Pennant. The Chief Guest then boarded the Vessel with the Commander of the Navy for inspection. Religious dignitaries representing Buddhist, Hindu, Christianity and Islam showered their blessings on the newly commissioned Vessel.
The Chief Guest in his message praised the effort and dedication shown by the Sri Lanka Navy in protecting the territorial integrity, sovereignty and unity of the motherland. He also thanked the Government of India for facilitating the acquisition of this vessel for the Government of Sri Lanka. He also said that this gesture of goodwill by the Government of India will strengthen the bilateral relations and build better cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
With the addition of SLNS Sayurala to its formidable fleet, Sri Lanka Navy will grow from strength to strength. Endowed with the unenviable task of protecting the Maritime Jurisdiction including the Territorial Waters, Exclusive Economic Zone and resources of the country, Sri Lanka Navy plays a crucial role in the development of this peace loving and sovereign nation. These vessels will keep vigilance far over the horizon day and night, rough or good weather to ensure that national interests are safe and secure. Far from the eyes of the Countrymen the crew onboard these vessels maintain their vigil over the vast Oceanic frontier of this Island nation. Sri Lanka Navy is truly the Golden Fence around.
‘Bon Voyage’ SLNS Sayurala!
Courtesy : SL Navy