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28                                                                          Sayurusara   2024  December































                                                    1.     The  Sri  Lanka  Navy  (SLN),  known  for  its  unwavering
                                                    commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders, has
                                                    extended its focus beyond military duties to encompass the well-
                                                    being of its personnel and the preservation of the environment.
                                                    Through the establishment of the Adventure and Nature Sports Club
                                                    in 2014, the Navy made significant strides in promoting physical
                                                    fitness  and  environmental  stewardship  among  its  members  and
                                                    the broader community.


                                                    Vision of the Adventure and Nature Sports Club

                                                    2.     The  Adventure  and  Nature  Sports  Club  aims  to  foster
                                                    camaraderie among officers and sailors while promoting physical
                                                    and  mental  fitness  through  ethical  use  and  preservation  of  the
                                                    natural  environment.  While  performing  a  part  of  the  Navy’s
                                                    Corporate  Social  Responsibility  (CSR),  the  club  further  instils
                                                    environmentally  friendly  ideals  in  the  naval  personnel  as  they
                                                    recognize the various geographical and meteorological situations
                                                    in the island nation.

                                                    The journey so far

                                                    3.     Sri Lanka, an island nation known for its pristine beaches,
                                                    lush rainforests, panoramic mountain ranges and rich biodiversity,
                                                    has always been a natural paradise for adventure enthusiasts and
                                                    nature lovers. Yet, the potential of the country’s natural landscapes
                                                    for  organized  adventure  and  nature  sports  remained  largely
                                                    untapped  in  the  SLN  until  Rear  Admiral  DSAAP  Samarasinghe
                                                    stepped forward with an innovative idea that culminated in the
                                                    creation of the Adventure and Nature Sports Club, which has since
                                                    become a hub for SLN adventure and nature sports, conservation
                                                    efforts and environmental stewardship. Rear Admiral Samarasinghe
                                                    was the founding Chairman of the club. Later, the position was held
                                                    by Commodore AD Weerasinghe and Rear Admiral RR Kalubowila.
                                                    At  the  moment,  Captain  (SBS)  WMN  Wickramasinghe  leads  the
                                                    club as the Chairman.
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