The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) conducted a field visit to the Mannar District, in order to inspect the lands used by the North Western and North Central Naval Commands of Sri Lanka Navy.

The Chairman of the Mannar District Coordination Committee, Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development Upali Samarasinghe, Parliamentarian Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran and other government officials were also part of the visit, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

During the visit, the Deputy Minister closely observed the Navy’s active contribution in Mannar, towards eradicating the drug menace affecting the country, while also reviewing measures implemented to strengthen the maritime and coastal security, curbing illegal activities within the respective areas of responsibility.

The Deputy Minister, having received a comprehensive operational briefing from the respective Naval Area Commanders on the current progress of their operations, appreciated their good work, the Ministry noted.

The Deputy Minister had reportedly provided necessary directives and guidance on enhancing the effectiveness of their initiatives.

He had also inspected the lands presently used by the Navy, in Mullikulam, Silawaturai, Thalaimannar, Wankalapadu and Pallimunai in the Mannar District.

During the visit, the Deputy Minister of Defence engaged with the local residents, paying special attention to issues of housing, community based challenges, welfare concerns and obstacles encountered within the fishing community, particularly identifying proactive measures to address these concerns, in coordination with the relevant government authorities.