Deputy Minister of Defence Lauds Navy’s ‘Ratama Ekata’ Operations Amidst Disaster Response Challenges

Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), conducted an inspection visit to the Sri Lanka Navy Operations Room at the Navy Headquarters in Akuregoda yesterday (13 January), where he underscored the national importance of the "Ratama Ekata" programme and commended the Sri Lanka Navy for its continuous and effective implementation of the initiative, despite its extensive involvement in rescue and relief operations during the recent national disaster emergency.

Upon arrival at the Navy Headquarters, the Deputy Minister was received by the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.

During a comprehensive briefing and subsequent inspection of the Navy Operations Room, the Deputy Minister reviewed the Navy's command and control mechanisms, operational coordination, and maritime security preparedness. Special attention was focused on the Navy's decisive role in the successful and uninterrupted execution of the "Ratama Ekata" programme, particularly in combating illegal maritime activities.

The Deputy Minister was briefed on how the Sri Lanka Navy maintained operational continuity under the "Ratama Ekata" programme even during the recent natural disaster, ensuring uninterrupted maritime surveillance and national security commitments while simultaneously supporting islandwide disaster response and humanitarian assistance efforts.

Operations conducted across the country's maritime zone to counter non-traditional maritime threats were also reviewed. Additionally, the Deputy Minister was apprised of the Navy's search and rescue missions, assistance extended to fishing and coastal communities, and efforts undertaken to protect the marine environment.

Commending the Sri Lanka Navy, the Deputy Minister emphasised the strategic importance of the "Ratama Ekata" programme to national security and lauded the Navy's professionalism, resilience, and operational effectiveness in sustaining critical security operations amidst the challenging conditions caused by the natural disaster. He further provided guidance to ensure the continued enhancement of operational readiness, efficiency, and coordination, reaffirming the Government's confidence in the Sri Lanka Navy's pivotal role in safeguarding the nation's maritime domain and supporting key national initiatives.

Members of the Navy's Board of Management were also present during the Deputy Minister's engagement at the Navy Headquarters.