Navy Commander at TRINEX-26

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando, reviewed the sea phase of the Trincomalee Naval Exercise 2026 (TRINEX-26) on board SLNS Vijayabahu off the eastern coast. Vice Admiral Fernando observed a range of maritime exercises, joint training activities and operational readiness drills, while lauding the professionalism and performance of the naval personnel taking part.

On the final day of the sea phase, participating units conducted a series of naval exercises, including Miscellaneous Exercises (MISCEX), Replenishment at Sea (RAS), Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Helicopter Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (HVBSS) drills. The exercise concluded with the fleet according the ceremonial Steam Past salute to the Navy Chief. The exercise involved SLNS Vijayabahu, Samudravijaya, Sindurala, Sagara, Samudura, Nandimithra, Shakthi, Edithara II, Ranarisi and Wickrama II, together with Fast Attack Craft P4443, P439, P465, P437, P421, P436, P424, P433 and P420, as well as personnel from the Navy's Special Boat Squadron. The Sri Lanka Coast Guard participated with SLCG Jayasagara and CG 407, while the Sri Lanka Air Force deployed Bell 412 and Bell 212 helicopters in support of the exercise. Additionally, during this naval exercise, for the first time ever, a newly designed UAV drone was successfully launched from a vessel at sea and recovered back onto the same ship, marking a historic milestone in meeting the operational requirements of the Sri Lanka Navy.