SRI LANKA COAST GUARD SHIP JAYESAGARA CELEBRATES SECOND ANNIVERSARY WITH A SERIES OF EVENTS

Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship (SLCGS) Jayesagara celebrated its second anniversary on 23^rd July 2024, with a series of events highlighting sportsmanship, spirituality, environmental care, and camaraderie. The celebrations, thoughtfully planned and executed over several weeks, reflected the ship's dedication to her crew and the broader community.

The celebrations commenced with a spirited football tournament held in the NMA football ground where the SLCGS Jayesagara team emerged as champions showcasing their athletic prowess and teamwork. The RDER team secured the runners-up position fostering a sense of unity and friendly competition among the participants.

The crew participated in a Bodhi Puja Pinkama on 10^th July, a traditional Buddhist ceremony held to invoke blessings and guidance. This spiritual event provided an opportunity for reflection and reverence, aligning with the cultural values upheld by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard.

Environmental stewardship was emphasized when the crew participated in a beach cleaning programme at Town Bay, Trincomalee on 13^th July. This initiative underscored the Coast Guard's commitment to protecting and preserving the marine environment. The cleanup effort not only improved the beach’s cleanliness but also raised public awareness about environmental conservation.

A key highlight of the anniversary celebrations was the visit by Rear Admiral Pujitha Vithana, the Director General of the Coast Guard to the ship. His visit was a significant morale booster, providing an opportunity for him to commend the crew for their dedication and service. Rear Admiral Vithana's presence marked the importance of the occasion and highlighted the support from the Coast Guard's leadership.

The celebrations concluded with a get together for the ship's crew held in Coral Cove Beach on 21^st July. This informal gathering allowed the crew members to relax and enjoy each other's company, strengthening their bonds and celebrating their achievements in a more casual setting.

The anniversary day which is on 23^rd July featured Commanding Officer divisions, ‘Badakana’, ceremonials and overall dressing of the ship following the rich naval traditions remembering the remarkable legacy the ship carries throughout Sri Lankan Naval and Coast Guard history. These formal activities marked the culmination of the anniversary celebrations emphasizing the discipline and pride of the crew.

The series of events held in honor of SLCGS Jayesagara's second anniversary celebrated the ship's operational successes and reinforced the core values of community service, environmental responsibility and team spirit. The successful execution of these activities highlighted the crew’s commitment to their duties and their strong sense of fellowship making the anniversary a memorable and meaningful occasion for all involved.