Commander of the Navy presides over 60th anniversary of SLN Diving Unit

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda graced the 60th anniversary celebration of the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) Diving and Salvage Unit at the Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee, today (11th January 2025). Established on 08th January 1965, the Diving and Salvage Unit plays a critical role in underwater operations, including demolitions, construction, repairs, rescue missions, recovery, and salvage activities.

The Sri Lanka Navy established its Diving Unit, appointing Lieutenant Commander T Somasundaram as the first Officer-in-Charge of the Diving Unit (ODU). Over the years, the unit has grown significantly in capability, technology, and manpower, ensuring operational excellence in its mission to support national maritime security. Currently, 38 officers and 274 sailors are attached to major vessels and commands, performing essential diving operations.

On this occasion, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and former Navy Commander, Admiral Priyantha Perera (Retd) shared their thoughts, applauding the remarkable progress of the SLN Diving and Salvage Unit and the invaluable contributions of its former officers and sailors.

The unit plays a crucial role in underwater repairs, ships’ under-water profile inspections, and fleet maintenance, which are vital for operational efficiency. To maintain professionalism, the Navy provides specialized training both locally and internationally in diving and rescue operations. A milestone was achieved in 2022 when two lady officers and one woman sailor completed the Basic Diving Module, marking a historic first in the Navy's diving history.

Beyond its core tasks, the unit is engaged in port and harbour clearance, vessel salvaging, assisting distressed vessels and fishing communities, underwater surveys, construction, and the maintenance of underwater security systems. It also supports naval and civilian operations through underwater photography, ordnance disposal, rescue diving, and maritime tourism infrastructure development.

Notably, the unit has contributed to building underwater museums in Trincomalee, Galle, and Nilwella, establishing a diving center in Trincomalee, treating decompression sickness, and conducting dives on sunken ships of historical value. These initiatives not only enhance the unit’s technical expertise but also boost Sri Lanka's diving tourism industry.

On the sidelines of this anniversary celebration, the Commander of the Navy declared open the Lieutenant Commander T Somasundaram Memorial Auditorium at the Diving and Salvage Unit. Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne (Retd), Admiral Piyal De Silva (Retd), Admiral Priyantha Perera (Retd), former senior officers and sailors of the Diving and Salvage Unit, Chief of Staff and Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Damian Fernando, Commandant Naval and Maritime Academy, Commodore Rohan Joseph as well as officers and sailors from the Navy Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command and Diving and Salvage Unit were present on this occasion.