Sri Lanka Navy’s “JETLINER” embarks on a new journey

The Sri Lanka Navy’s largest passenger craft “Jetliner” which served as a life line between the North and East during the Humanitarian Operations set sail on a new journey at the Launching Ceremony of Jetliner Entertainment Cruise Venture yesterday (22 January 2010) at the Port of Colombo. Honourable Minister of Tourism Achala Jagoda graced the groundbreaking event as the Chief Guest. He was received by Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe on his arrival. Ambassadors, Secretaries to the ministry of tourism and ministry of ports and aviation, and foreign dignitaries were among the list VIP invitees. Many senior Naval Officers and a large number of other invitees including members of the media were also present. The event was arranged by Sri Lanka Navy and Ministry of Tourism.

The Jetliner passenger vessel played a pivotal role in the Naval operations during the humanitarian operations. It ferried thousands of security forces personnel, civilians and goods between Trincomalee and Kankesanthurai ports till the main ground supply routes were cleared and restored after the dawn of peace. It also holds the record for carrying more than three thousand security forces personnel at once. With this new venture it is set to continue her valuable service to the nation in a different sphere.

The Nautical Enterprise under the theme ‘Visit Sri Lanka 2011’ is a joint venture between Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. The press conference held at the Launching Ceremony was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism Mr.George Michael, Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Aviation Mr. Ranjith De Silva, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Mr. Bernard Gunathilake, Chairman Sri Lanka Ports Authority Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama, Managing Director Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Mr.Dilip Muddeniya and Captain of the Ship Captain  Nilantha Heenatigala.

The launching of the ship was held in keeping with Naval traditions and customs. The Commander of the Navy in reading the parchment said that on the directions of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka and the Secretary Ministry of Defence declare the ‘Jetliner’ to set sail on a new course of Nautical Enterprise while still maintaining its lift capabilities for the Sri Lanka Navy and extending her services for the tourism and hospitality industry. This venture will be a step forward in reaping the dividends of peace established after many years of bloody conflict in our motherland.

Subsequently the ship left the harbour for a short sail where the invitees were treated for a sundown cocktail and later for a twilight menu. The Navy Band kept on the sprits high with their musical and cultural entertainment. A breathtaking fireworks display at sea enthralled the guests.      

The Jetliner will chart the waters as a recreational cruise ship, taking onboard weddings, corporate events and other social functions. The ship is redressed and equipped to cater to the needs of the new clientele. The ship is manned by a well disciplined and highly trained professional Naval crew who are in par with the best in the industry.

Since the dawn of peace in the country Sri Lanka Navy in its role as the first line of defence has involved in the development process of the country. As a part of that process Navy is utilizing its assets not only as a source to generate income but also to increase the efficiency of those.