SRI LANKA COAST GUARD SHIP SAMARAKSHA CELEBRATES THE SIXTH ANNIVERSARY

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship (SLCGS) Samaraksha celebrated her sixth anniversary on 29^th August 2024. The celebration included a Bodhi Pooja Pinkama and beach cleaning programme, emphasizing religiousness, spirituality, environmental care and camaraderie.

The celebrations commenced on 19^th August 2024 with a Bodhi Pooja Pinkama, a traditional Buddhist ceremony held to invoke blessings and guidance, at Sri Wijewardhanaramaya Temple, Colombo 01. 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 Galle face green, Colombo on 24^th August 2024. 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.

The anniversary day 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 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 Samaraksha’s sixth 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.