Sept 22, Colombo: Sri Lanka Navy declared open the newly established South-Eastern Naval Command which will be in charge of providing security in the country's southeastern seas.

The outgoing Naval Commander Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake declared open the Navy's 7th command at its headquarters in Panama Thursday (20).

The new unit, commanded by Rear Admiral Calixtus Jayakody, will provide in-depth security to the Southeastern Naval Area and assist the uplift of infrastructure development and welfare of the people, the Navy said in a statement.

The Navy expects the naval presence of the new command to be a deterrent to smuggling activities and illegal fishing along the southeastern coast and the adjoining seas.

During the event, the Navy Commander has also reviewed the infrastructure development activities being carried out in the Southeastern Naval Area and the measures implemented for the welfare of the naval personnel deployed under the new naval command.