Life style

The sinking of SLNS Weeraya and Jagatha

Published

5 years ago

2020/11/1

After decades-long tour of duty on the waters, Weeraya and Jagatha – two ships of the 3rd Fast Gun Boat Squadron of the SL Navy, have now found their new home on the seabed off the port of Trincomalee. While they continue to prove their mettle enriching the deep waters as fish breeding grounds and shipwreck diving sites, those who manned them recollect fond memories on board.

by Randima Attygalle

Weeraya and Jagatha translate into ‘hero’ and ‘conqueror’. These ships of the 3rd Fast Gun Boat Squadron of the SL Navy lived up to their names ensuring the security of the Sri Lankan waters during wartime. Weeraya joined the fleet in 1972 when Rear Admiral D.V Hunter was at the helm of the Royal Ceylon Navy and Jagatha in 1980 during Rear Admiral A.W.H Perera’s tenure as Commander.

During the 30-year war, these ships were in the frontline fighting arms smuggling and terrorist activities in the seas off the Karainagar Island. Having played their part, Weeraya and Jagatha bid goodbye to the men above the waters, settling down on ‘Davy Jones’ Locker’ off Rocky Point in Trincomalee a few weeks ago. They were both soon to turn 60.

The ceremonial decommissioning of the two vessels at the Naval Dockyard in Trincomalee a few weeks ago was presided over by the Navy Commander, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenna. In keeping with naval custom, the decommissioning was carried out with the seal of approval of the President. The decommissioning ceremony ended with the paying off pennants (long pennants equivalent to the lengths of each ship) ceremonially scissored into equal parts and the individual pieces distributed as souvernirs among the ships’ crew in the time-honored naval traditions. The decommissioning ceremony was also attended by Rear Admiral (Retd) J.T.G. Sundaram (as a guest of honour) who commanded Weeraya from January 1, 1980 to January 25, 1981 as its sixth Commanding Officer.

Manufactured in 1961 in China, Weeraya was one of the first of two gunboats (FGBs) to be added to the fleet of the then Ceylon Navy in 1972 as one of Her Majesty’s Ceylon Ships (HMCyS). Until the arrival of this vessel, the Navy had only one ship- a Frigate called Gajabahu and many unarmed small boats,

Lieutenant Commander (Retd) Somasiri Devendra, an authority on maritime archaeology, says: “When the Insurgency of 1971 erupted we were without any seaward defenses and had to call upon Indian and Pakistani ships to patrol our waters and throw a cordon around us. The Chinese offer of two reconditioned FGBs- (Sooraya and Weeraya as they were renamed later) was welcome.”

The ships gifted by China in early 1972 were commissioned a few months later. Commissioning, as Devendra explains, is the act of empowering a vessel to act as a self-sufficient unit of the Navy under a Commanding Officer. The ships were launched by the Prime Minister who was the then head of the government and the country’s chief executive. Devendra who was in Kochchikade when the Sooraya and Weeraya arrived as deck cargo on a Chinese merchant vessel recollects his first glimpse of them wrapped in bamboo matting. “They were a class of ships designed for use in rivers – those rivers were much bigger than anything we have. At sea, their buoyancy would have increased. They had several engines and were heavily armed. They were tested as seagoing craft by us and several problems encountered were put right with our inputs.”

Soon, Sooraya and Weeraya were joined by three more Chinese counterparts. “When these three arrived, a ‘nationalist’ minded officer decided to pander to then Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike by suggesting that the five FGBs have names starting with S,W,R,D and B. This resulted in the names Sooraya, Weeraya, Ranakami, Dakshaya and Balawatha!” says Devendra. The Chinese teams accompanying the ships remained here for several weeks after the handover.

“All the manuals, signage, etc. on board was in Chinese only. The first local crew made use of their stay to get all of them translated as the Chinese team had very good Sinhala speaking interpreters who had learned the language at one of our state universities.”

After the ships started patrolling it was found that given the tight Navy Vote, it was very expensive to run them at maximum capacity. Nevertheless, some of them did undertake cruises to the Maldives, notes Devendra.

The decommissioning ceremony of the Weeraya and Jagatha, Rear Admiral (Retd) J.T.G. Sundaram who commanded Weeraya as its sixth Commanding Officer, says was the “first ceremony of such scale and pageantry.” This senior officer who graced the occasion as a guest of honour lauds it as a fitting tribute to the two pioneer vessels. “Before the onset of the conflict, the role of the Navy was largely that of surveillance which gradually shifted to an operational one. Weeraya and Jagatha were among the vessels which had to adapt to this transformation.”

Light House Relief Operations servicing the Little and Great Basses Lighthouses in the South and patrolling in the Northern seas were some of the notable surveillance exercises for which the Weeraya was responsible before she took on operational duties, says Sundaram.

Jagatha in the mid-80s, was a notable platform for cadet sea training, Sundaram, who was also a training commander on board said. “Both these vessels underwent mid-life refit in the mid-1980s for which Chinese personnel arrived here.” Before a ship is decommissioned, the exercise known as ‘de-storing’ takes place explains the Senior officer. “All weapons, engines, propellers, shafts, electronic and electrical equipment, fuel and lubricants are removed in this process.” Once de-storing is complete, scuttling of the ship begins by allowing water to flow into the hull.

“Sailing during South West monsoon along the southern seas especially along the stretch between Hambantota and Tangalle passing Great Basses and Little Basses were the acid tests that a junior rating or a cadet had to prove his sea legs,” recollects a top-ranking retired naval officer. Fondly looking back on his days spent in the Gun Room of Jagatha as a young cadet in 1985, he adds, “the kitchen (galley) was using diesel fuel and the food had an eternal diesel flavour! The single toilet was not sufficient to cater to the larger crew; hence a Thunder Box was installed at the stern of Jagatha!”

The Shanghai class ships – Jagatha and Weeraya were the “best teeth the navy had to bite in late 70s and 80s”, reflects the senior officers who adds with a chuckle that today cadets will certainly make a mockery out of seven- point gun drill what was a ritual prior to a gun being fired. “It was ‘The Gun’ that the LTTE most feared tangling with,” he adds.

Out of the Jagatha’s four engines, two were in the forward engine room and used only when high speed was required. Their roar at high RPM was not at all ear-friendly, he recounts. “The Crow’s Nest was a cage like contraption on the top of the lattice mast and slacking cadets or those caught for being too smart were banished up there as punishment

“Sailing through the Karainagar channel into the Elara naval base at Karainagar, passing Fort Hammenhiel without running aground, was a skill mastered by the then commanding officers and Master-at-Arms who were at the rudder of the vessel, he notes.

The Dumping Permit Regulations made under the Marine Pollution Prevention Act require the sanction of the Marine Environment Pollution Authority (MEPA) for any decommissioning of a vessel and this was obtained prior to the sinking.

“True to MEPA’s vision of realizing a healthy coastal and ocean environment for future generations, we welcome shipwrecks which promote fish breeding places and shipwreck diving which spurs awareness and future interventions in terms of sustainability. We are conscious that such wrecks are not detrimental to the marine life,” remarks Dr. Terney Pradeep Kumara, General Manager of MEPA. Any decommissioning of a ship, he explains, should be authorized by MEPA. “A dumping permit is issued for sinking of any vessel once the authorities are satisfied that all pollutant-agents such as oil, lubricants and non-degradable material is removed from it.”

The open gangways of a shipwreck are a haven for both the fish and the diver alike says the Marine Ecologist. “While wrassers, groupers, larger snappers and morays thrive in these places, they also enable divers to swin through these passages.”

Ship wrecks as the Tec-Diver and underwater explorer, Dharshana Jayawardena explains, could be a boon to fisheries and tourism. “From a fisheries perspective, the correct location and depth is important. The currents in the location will determine how well-nourished the wreck will be with coral larvae floating in water that will settle to make an artificial reef; also once it is a reef, how much nutrients will be available for its sustenance will also count. The least pollutants in the location, the better the reef will turn out to be.”

Wrecks also act as safe havens for shoaling fish to hide during day time. It is important that these locations can be easily accessed by recreational divers. “If not its value for tourism won’t be as much. In addition, the location should have good water clarity most of the time,” notes the technically precise diver with a wealth of experience diving into decommissioned ships both locally and overseas. The two decommissioned gunboats lying close together in the Trincomalee Harbour, the Chevron glass gunboat off the shores of Moratuwa, the wreck of We Ling that was sunk with several bullet-proof VIP cars onboard in Negombo and several decommissioned vessels in the Maldives sunk for the purpose of creating artificial reefs for the Maldivian tourism industry are among such diving pursuits of his.

A few kilometers away from the Jagatha and Weeraya’s resting place in Rocky Point, off Trincomalee, lie remains of several aircraft, decommissioned navy gun boats and also one of the largest wrecks in the world – the Admiralty Floating Dock 23. But marine tourists are not allowed to access these as they are within the harbour environs, says Jayawardena.

A ship sold for scrap will yield a one-time, short-term dividend, a ship sunk as an artificial reef will provide dividends for over 100 years as an abundant fishing ground and also give back millions of dollars in foreign revenue to the country from the tourist divers who come to visit the wreck, notes the explorer.

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Life style

Julie Chung’s graceful goodbye

Published

2 days ago

2026/01/11

Thilina Walpola

Chung

Last chapter in Colombo

Elegant, articulate and amiable, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung reaches the end of her term, with the quiet confidence of a woman who has shaped diplomacy across continents.

In this interview, she speaks with emotional clarity and stately restraint, offering insights shaped by memory, responsibility and a deep respect for the human stories behind public life.

A diplomat of distinction and a fashion icon in her own right, she embodies a modern elegance where intellect meets instinct and presence becomes power. She speaks of her time in Sri Lanka not as a posting, but as a chapter of memory, reflecting with grace on the experiences she will carry forward—memories woven with diplomacy, style and a deep affection for a place that became more than a destination.

As she says goodbye, Julie Chung carries with her not just memories but the very essence of the island: the warmth of its people, the quiet beauty of its moments, and a grace that will remain long after she has left. With an international career spanning Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Washington D.C., she embodies modern diplomacy—polished, perceptive and quietly powerful. She leaves Colombo shaped by its people, moments and connections.

Q: Ambassador, as your tenure in Sri Lanka comes to a close, what moments during your posting stand out the most for you personally and professionally?

A: Celebrating the 75th anniversary of our bilateral relationship was a watershed moment and a time to reflect upon all that we’ve accomplished together- from maritime security partnerships to trade to youth engagement. Opening a beautiful, new U.S. Embassy building was also a highlight, a place where we could really come together and build a community, host our American Centre, and a physical symbol of our efforts to deepen our presence in Sri Lanka. A personal highlight was scuba diving at various wreck sites, including the Godawaya shipwreck from which artifacts were preserved through the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, and marveling at the underwater heritage of Sri Lanka.

Q: How would you describe your overall experience living and working in Sri Lanka?

A: I’ve seen many challenges and difficulties that Sri Lanka has gone through during my tenure, but so much joy, resilience, and pride too. Sri Lankans are very proud of their tourism sites, foods, and cultural heritage- and rightfully so! I saw my role as a bridge builder between our two countries professionally, and I absorbed everything I could personally as well to delve into Sri Lankan culture. And the food–anyone who knows me knows that I have traversed the island trying and loving the amazing food here. From Jaffna crab to lamprais, I am going to go through serious spice withdrawal when I leave. My family enjoyed exploring so much of Sri Lanka with me, and even Martha, my dog loved her walks around Colombo!

: At the top of Pidurutalagala enjoying the amazing view of Sigiriya

Batik U.S. flag created by U.S. Embassy staff

Q What challenges did you face in strengthening US-Lanka relations and how were they overcome?

A: One of the challenges was to overcome misperceptions and misinformation about the United States and personal attacks on me. Holding this position invites a lot of attention and scrutiny, and I got my fair share of that while navigating through the public spotlight. I tried to share my personal stories, relay official positions clearly, and be authentic to the Sri Lankan public, not just as an ambassador but as a human being, a wife, and mother. I sought to engage directly with many communities across the island, not just government-to-government but truly people-to-people, speaking directly with farmers, entrepreneurs, students, speaking to them on my role and the United States role in Sri Lanka. It was not always easy, but I appreciated the candidness of everyone I met. As a Christian, it was also important for me to find places of worship to have fellowship which helped me stay faithful and resilient during the challenging times.

Q: Can you share an example of a cultural exchange, a people-to-people initiative that particularly resonated with you?

A: The return of the Peace Corps to Sri Lanka after a long hiatus was one of my proudest moments. I met young Americans willing to put in the work to learn Sinhala and Tamil, assimilate with local families, teach English at local schools—and in the process, learn from their students, too. It goes to the heart of what the Peace Corps was created to do–bringing Americans and communities together through service, learning, and shared understanding.

Q: Sri Lanka is known for its vibrant culture. Did your experience here influence your personal life or style?

A: I loved learning about the arts in Sri Lanka. I’ve attended the annual Kala Pola art fair where I could interact with both seasoned and up and coming artists and made a few purchases myself. I learned about Sri Lanka’s unique batik making culture and integrated various modern takes to batik design in clothes I wear. Our embassy community visited Sonali Dharmawardena’s batik workshop to learn first-hand about batik making and created a beautiful American flag artwork that hangs inside our embassy now.

: Selfie with Sri Lankan student basketball players during the U.S. Embassy sports envoy program

: Enjoying a cup of tea with fellow climbers at Sri Pada

: Diving at the Godawaya shipwreck which was conserved through U.S. support

Q: Who were your favourite designers or fashion experiences that stood out to you during your time here?

A I’ve loved admiring and showcasing so many talented local designers here, who also became my close friends. I consider them artists more than designers because it really is artistry and it comes from their hearts, reflecting who they are as individuals. Sonali Dharmawardhana, Charini Suriyage, Darshi Keerthisena, Kamil Hewavitharana, and Sammani Pathiranagama have been some of my favorites! I leave with a very full suitcase and I can’t wait to share my love of Sri Lankan design with Americans.

Q How did participating in Sri Lanka’s cultural and social events help in strengthening diplomatic relationships?

Two U.S. C-130s supported cyclone Ditwah response by transporting donated goods across the country

A Diplomacy is not just about having official meetings but diving into a country’s culture and personality; it provides us a deeper understanding and at the same time offers an opportunity to share the immense richness of American culture as well. When we invited our sports diplomacy ambassadors and arts envoys to come to Sri Lanka, it created avenues for more people-to-people connections. Every conversation I had, every trip I took, and every photo I snapped created that tapestry that led to my love for Sri Lanka. I took part in Sri Lanka’s social and cultural events while also creating opportunities for others to engage with American arts and culture.

Q: Were there moments in Colombo’s social scene that brought you joy or surprise?

A: I really enjoyed attending the Royal Thomian cricket match! It was my first ever cricket match and was so exciting to see the fans, the festive mood, and I joined along with the dancing, too. It was nice to see people from all walks of life and political factions come together in such a way for the love of the game.

Q: What memory of Sri Lanka will you carry with you forever?

A: One memory I will always carry with me is how Sri Lankans came together to support one another during the tragic period following Cyclone Ditwah. I was deeply moved by the compassion and solidarity shown at the community level. When we were able to offer $2 million in humanitarian aid and bring two C130 airplanes to deliver supplies, it really made me proud. Personally taking part in some of those flights and talking to the military forces and local communities was memorable. As a diplomat, I believe it’s important we get involved hands-on and not just watch from afar. Seeing Americans and Sri Lankans working side by side, physically unloading goods off of our planes was a powerful reminder that in difficult moments, our partnership is strongest, and that the friendship between our two countries is built on ordinary people and shared values.

Q: If you could relive one day of your tenure here, which day would it be and why?

A: It would be to climb back up to the peak of Sri Pada again with my husband and see the sun rising above the mountains and the shadows of the temple, and take in the natural glory of that moment in such a special cultural place. It was not just the natural beauty, but the friendliness of the pilgrims and fellow climbers who encouraged each other, even me, as I took on that climb. Moments along the journey—sharing a cup of tea or listening to someone’s story—kept me energized.

Q: What are the strongest impressions of Sri Lanka that you will take back with you?

A: Sri Lanka is such a diverse island- from its landscape and tourism sites to its religions, ethnicities, and cuisines. I say this often, it is a magical island that bursts with passion, energy, and a richness that makes every part of the country feel distinct yet deeply connected. I travelled throughout Sri Lanka, by boats, cars, planes, and trains – the sounds, smells, and beauty will stay with me forever.

Q: How would you describe the spirit of the Sri Lankan people to friends and colleagues abroad?

A: The spirit of Sri Lankans is definitely something I’ve come to learn about and admire so much – it goes beyond resilience during tough periods and is reflected in the humor and creativity of its people and traditions. That can be seen through the arts, literature, and even political cartoons. The Sri Lankan people are amazing and have given me memories that will last a lifetime. I am grateful for my time here and will carry it with me always.

By Zanita Careem ✍️

Life style

Gilded glamour at Grand Kandyan

Published

2 days ago

2026/01/11

Thilina Walpola

Celebrations with grandeur

The Grand Kandyan transformed into a sanctuary of elegance this past New Year’s Eve, hosting a spectacular gala dinner dance that seamlessly blended tradition with high-energy celebration.

From the moment guests arrived, they were swept into a world of luxury. The hotel and ballroom were meticulously decorated, setting a festive tone that promised an unforgettable night. The evening commenced with a sophisticated cocktail hour in the lobby, where guests mingled before being ushered into the majestic Royal Peacock Ballroom for the main event.

A Symphony of Black and Gold

The ballroom was a sight to behold, draped in a striking theme of black and gold. The color palette exuded sophistication, providing a glittering backdrop for the night’s festivities.

Lavish international buffet

Taking charge of the evening’s proceedings was the charismatic Javed Bongso, whose expert compering kept the energy high. The musical heartbeat of the night was provided by the popular band Lunu Dehi, whose infectious performance immediately filled the dance floor. As the night progressed, DJ Harsha took over the decks, keeping the crowd moving with a seamless mix of floor-fillers.

Prizes and Pageantry

The gala was punctuated by moments of excitement and engagement. Beyond the music, guests participated in:

Multiple Raffle Draws: Featuring a variety of high-value prizes.

Interactive Games: Engaging the audience and adding a touch of playful competition.

Grand Giveaways: Ensuring many guests walked away with more than just memories.

A highlight of the evening was the prestigious crowning of the “Grand Kandyan Queen,” a moment of true pageantry that added a layer of classic glamour to the night’s program.

A Culinary Masterpiece

No celebration at The Grand Kandyan would be complete without a culinary showcase. Guests were treated to a lavish international buffet, specifically decorated for the occasion.

A Global Family Celebration

The Grand Kandyan hotel General Manager, . Thusith Samaraweera, remarked on how wonderful it was to see a vibrant mixture of local and foreign guests coming together. He noted that seeing everyone ushering in the New Year alongside the “Grand Kandyan family” was the perfect embodiment of the hotel’s spirit of hospitality.

The night concluded as a resounding success, marking the start of 2026 with style, spirit, and community.

Life style

“Best International Hotel for Weddings” at Travel+Leisure India’s Best Awards 2025

Published

2 days ago

2026/01/11

Thilina Walpola

Saman Villa

Jetwing Saman Villas, part of Jetwing Luxury Reserves, has been awarded “Best International Hotel for Weddings” at the 14th edition of Travel+Leisure India & South Asia’s Best Awards, held on December 16, 2025, in New Delhi. This prestigious accolade celebrates the resort’s exceptional ability to create unforgettable wedding experiences, placing Sri Lanka firmly on the global map as a leading destination for romance.

The annual India’s Best Awards, driven by reader votes, honours excellence across the travel spectrum, from hotels and destinations to wellness retreats and culinary experiences. This year’s theme, “Passports to Possibility,” highlighted the transformative power of travel and brought together global hospitality leaders for an evening of recognition and inspiration.

Perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, the 27-suite resort is Sri Lanka’s pioneering luxury boutique hotel and a haven for intimate celebrations. The property offers one of the most unique settings on the island: a garden on a rock surrounded by nothing but incredible ocean views. From pre-wedding rituals to gourmet receptions, the property specializes in intimate weddings that feel truly exclusive and deeply personal. Beyond the ceremony, Jetwing Saman Villas doubles as an idyllic honeymoon retreat, offering luxurious private-pool suites, indulgent spa rituals, and romantic dining experiences under starlit skies, making it the perfect beginning to a lifelong journey together.

“We are truly honoured to bring this recognition to Sri Lanka,” said Hashan Cooray, Director of Marketing and Development at Jetwing Hotels. “As the country’s first and leading boutique hotel, this award reinforces Sri Lanka’s true potential as a premier destination for romance and weddings.”

Farrel Blom, General Manager of Jetwing Saman Villas, added, “Weddings are deeply personal, and for us, it’s never just about one evening, but it’s about creating an experience that feels like home. Many couples stay with us for several days, allowing us to be part of their story. Seeing them return for holidays and hearing their heartfelt feedback is the greatest reward.”

With a legacy spanning over half a century in the tourism industry, Jetwing Hotels has established itself as a pioneer in curating unique experiences and offering the best of legendary Sri Lankan hospitality, with the values of passion, humility, tenacity, and the spirit of family being at its core. As a family-owned brand, Jetwing Hotels continues to be a leading advocate for sustainability and responsible tourism, with ongoing initiatives focused on community upliftment, environmental conservation, and resource efficiency. With over 35 properties across the island, the brand’s diverse portfolio includes a range of Luxury Reserves, Premium Hotels, Select Hotels, and Essentials, each offering a unique perspective on Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.