Feb 06, Colombo: Sri Lanka Navy Wednesday launched a boat service in Diaywanna Oya, the lake near the Sri Lankan parliament in Sri Jayawardena Pura, Kotte.

Speaker of Parliament, Chamal Rajapaksa inaugurated the boat service operated by the Sri Lanka Navy as a part of its community welfare project.

Three boats, built by the Navy under its Inshore Patrol Craft Construction Project are deployed for the service. Each boat, equipped with on-board safety measures including life belts and jackets, can accommodate 25 persons.

In addition, the Navy has given passenger safety special emphasis with the provision of navy divers, life savers and medical personnel.

The day time boat service operates between 8.00 am and 6.00 pm. Students are charged Rs. 50 while Rs. 2500 packages will be available for general public.

The boat tour offers a spectacular view of the parliament and the lake with its scenic surroundings.

The Diyawanna Oya walking track, an area for jogging and exercising, under the Colombo City Development project was declared opened for the use of the public in July last year.

Secretary of the Ministry of Defense and Urban Development Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Navy Commander, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage participated in the opening.