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Sri Lanka Navy Journal 58

field stations and offices in Rekawa, Tangalle, Panadura, Kandakkuliya, and Kos-
goda (Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) of Sri Lanka, 2021).
Six of the seven sea turtle species are listed as vulnerable or endan-
gered globally as a result of human activity, and five of them are present in
the waters around Sri Lanka. Under the visionary concept of former Com-
mander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva's 'Neela Haritha
Sangramaya,' which is aimed to create a sustainable environment for future
generations while leading and setting a precedent in protecting, conserv-
ing, and developing the green and blue environment throughout the coun-
try. In addition to this commendable effort, the Sri Lanka Navy has initiated
a turtle conservation project in Galle Face beach area. As a result, over 7000
baby turtles have been successfully released into their natural habitat direct-
ly from the Navy's hatcheries. The Sri Lanka Navy is carrying out a turtle res-
toration Programme with the primary aim of conserving endangered sea tur-
tles in order to better preserve the biodiversity of the marine environment.

Figure 1 : Navy’s passion for turtle conservation

Source : Sri Lanka Navy (2020)

th
On 5 February 2020, a bale of sea turtle hatchlings appeared from the tur-
tle conservation site at the Galle Face, ushering in a new chapter in the Sri Lanka
Navy's turtle conservation Programme. The Navy protected this site after turtle
eggs were discovered in the area. Several sea turtle eggs were discovered at the
Galle Face beach as an eloquent testament to the effectiveness of beach cleaning
programmes carried out as part of the 'Green and Blue' project initiative. Mean-
while, the Navy has been conducting turtle conservation initiatives in the Pana-
ma, Mirissa, and Wellawatta region, and naval staff participating in these projects
ensure that the whole operation, from the conservation of sea turtle eggs to the
release of turtle hatchlings into the ocean, is carried out properly. Meanwhile, the
SLN, which has a significant number of productive staff, have been performing a
number of conservation exercises along the island's coastal belt, persuaded that
the conservation of marine resources is important. . Presently, to secure aquatic
resources, the SLN conducts regular patrols. Furthermore, the Navy conducts
daily patrols in the waters off the island and along the coastal belt, keeping a
close eye out for illegal fishers. The Navy has saved and released to the sea a
huge number of turtles captured by fishermen and stuck in madal fishing nets.