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SLNS Vijayabahu returns after taking part in AMAN – 2025
Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Vijayabahu which took part in the multinational naval exercise AMAN – 2025, hosted for the ninth time by Pakistan Navy, arrived the island on successful completion of the exercise on 17 Feb 25.
Upon her arrival, the Navy welcomed the ship in compliance with naval traditions at the Port of Colombo.
AMAN series of multinational exercises were started in 2007 with a view to promote regional cooperation and stability, greater interoperability and to display a united resolve against piracy, terrorism and crimes in maritime domain.
The multinational naval exercise which encompassed both Harbour and Sea Phases, was held from 10 to 14 Feb, centered around Karachi and the Arabian Sea and the exercise saw participation from 11 countries, involving 22 naval ships, 02 submarines, and aircraft.
Representing the Sri Lanka Navy, SLNS Vijayabahu took part in an assortment of exercises including; maritime security, counter piracy and humanitarian assistance, manoeuvres and formation, firing practices and a wide range of other exercises.
The ninth edition of AMAN 2025 successfully concluded following the International Fleet Review, which marked the end of the Sea Phase.
Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Thushara Karunathunga represented the Sri Lanka Navy at AMAN Dialogue – 2025, held with the attendance of navy chiefs, intellectuals and stakeholders from the maritime fraternity, on the sidelines of the multinational naval exercise.
Moreover, Rear Admiral Thushara Karunathunga had the opportunity to call on Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan Navy, Admiral Naveed Ashraf. Additionally, the Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan Navy took time off to visit SLNS Vijayabahu and the significant occasion was marked with an exchange of mementoes.
In conjunction with this event, a cultural exchange programme was organized, featuring a series of vibrant cultural performances by the Navy’s cultural troupe.
SLNS Vijayabahu also participated in a food gala, showcasing an array of traditional culinary delights.
The Pakistan Navy had organized cross ship visits to witness the operational effectiveness and technical equipment of the participating vessels. During this event, the crew of SLNS Vijayabahu had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge regarding the capabilities of both regional and extra-regional navies, as well as to exchange valuable experiences.
Taking part in this nature of naval exercises would open new avenues to the Sri Lanka Navy to build inter-operability with regional and extra-regional partners, exchange best practices and procedures in maritime operations, identify new challenges in maritime domain and collectively find solutions to overcome those issues.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that steps will be taken to provide the necessary facilities to eliminate organized crime and drug abuse, as well as to introduce new legislation.
The President made these remarks during a discussion held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with the police chiefs of the Western Province.
He emphasized that maintaining the rule of law is a key responsibility of the Police Department.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake further stated that a just society cannot be established in Sri Lanka without ensuring the supremacy of the rule of law.
Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala; Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Ravi Seneviratne; Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya; and several Western Province police chiefs were also present at the event.
The Aswasuma Welfare Benefit payment Scheme has been implementing from 01-07-2023 and this scheme has been finally amended by the Extra Ordinary Gazette No 2415/66 dated 21-12-2024.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, to publish the following through a Gazette Notification, amending the benefits provided under the presently empowered Aswasuma Welfare Benefit payment Scheme within the provisions allocated by the budget estimate for the year 2025.
• To extend the period of entitlement of benefits for the transitional social category included in schedule 1 of the Aswasuma Welfare Benefit payment Scheme up to 30-04-2025.
• To increase the monthly assistance payment from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 provided to persons with disabilities and receiving treatment for kidney diseases and elderly persons, respectively, that are included in Schedule II of the said scheme and to
implement the said decision from April 2025.
• To extend the period of payment provided for the disable persons, kidney patients, and elderly persons given in the Schedule II, up to 31-12-2025 subject to the above proposals.
• Even though the payment of allowances under the transitional social category will be stopped after April 2025, the period of payment for disabled persons, kidney patients, and elderly persons, of these families will be extended up to 31-12-2025.
• Payment of relevant eligible persons by inclusion of newly forwarded applications of disabled and kidney patients subject to the maximum limit up to 31-12-2025.
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