Naval Deployment Mullaithivu located in the Eastern Naval Area was commissioned as SLNS Gotabhaya by Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage on 13th September 2013.Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Rohan Amarasinghe, senior naval officers attached to the NHQ and Eastern Naval Command were also present on the occasion.
In keeping with naval traditions, the Commander of the Navy handed over the Commissioning Warrant to the Commanding Officer of SLNS Gotabhaya, Commander UKDT Udugama, who read out the Commissioning Warrant declaring the commissioning of the naval base. The Commissioning Pennant was hoisted thereafter followed by the customary flag salute.
Naval Deployment Mullaithivu was first established on 13th January 2011 in order to ensure the safety and security of the area once regarded as the heartland of the LTTE terrorists. The naval facility was later upgraded to a Regional Security Center on 17th September 2012 to suit its multi-faceted functions geared towards assisting the civilian population to live free of fear enjoying the full benefits of the dawned peace. Naval Detachments Chenmalei, Nayaru and Vilawatte function under its purview.
[mappress] Press Release, September 16, 2013; Image: Sri Lanka Navy