Mar 05, Colombo: The research vessel built by the Sri Lanka Navy was handed over to the University of Ruhuna at a ceremony held at SLNS Rangalla on 04th March 2013 in the presence of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage, Vice Chancellor of the Ruhunu University, Professor Susirith Mindis, Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Damayantha Darmasiriwardene, Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Rohan Amarasinghe, senior Naval officers and University officials.

The vessel was constructed under the Navy's Inshore Patrol Craft Production Project as per the technical specifications submitted by the University. It is 14.8 meters long and fitted with 350 Horse Power Diesel engine and a Hamilton water jet. The Navy built its first ever research vessel for the use of the University's Faculty of Fisheries, Marine Sciences and Technology free of labour cost as a gesture of goodwill under the Naval social responsibility project.

The collaborative effort reflects the Navy's contribution to higher education in the country. It is hoped that it will pave way for the enhancement of fisheries, marine sciences education and research in Sri Lanka.

Source : SLN