Life style

The sinking of SLNS Weeraya and Jagatha

Published

6 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

Crafting catwalk elegance behind the scene

Published

5 days ago

2026/05/17

Thilina Walpola

By Zanita Careem

While the spotlight at Colombo Fashion Week shines brightly, dazzling couture and celebrated designers, the true heartbeat of the event often lies behind the curtains. Backstage is where creativity meets pressure, precision and passion, a world powered by hairstylists, makeup artists, dress designers, choroegraphers and production teams work tirelessly against the clock.

At Colombo Fashion Week, the spotlight may belong to designers, but just behind the runway lights, another story unfolds – one of precession, pace and transformative artistry.

At the heart of it all stands Ramani Fernando, the quiet force who has shaped the face of fashion in Sri Lanka for decades. Long before the first model takes her stride, Ramani Fernando and her team are already at work. Backstage is a flurry of motion, hair dryers humming, brushes sweeping, palettes opening and closing in rhythm. Yet amid the chaos there is a remarkable sense of order. That order is Ramani. For years, she has been the official hair and beauty partner of Colombo Fashion Week, curating looks that not only complement but elevate each designer’s vision. Whether it is sleek, pulled back aesthetic for a structured collection or wild textured volume for a more experimental line her work ensures that beauty becomes an extension of fashion.

The crew of CFW is more than a just a team comprising some of the country’s most skilled stylists and make up artistry. Many of them trained in her own academy, the crew operates under intense pressure with seamless co-ordination.

“A single show can demand dozens of looks in a matter of hours. Multiple designers each with a distinct creative direction, rely on the team to interpret and excute their vision and precision. Timing is everything. There are no second takes. Every strand of hour, every stroke of make up must be fearless before the model steps onto the runway. And yet what stands out is not finish , nor the speed, but the consistency said Ramani. Colombo Fashion Week has increasingly positioned itself on the global fashion map, and beauty plays a crucial role in that evolution. Each season, Ramani Fernando’s team introduces looks that are not only trends driven but often trend-setting within the local industry.

In the end, the curtain does not just hide preparation,it protects the chaos,creativity,and colloboration that make the final moment possible.

: Crafting confidence behind the curtain

Life style

Early diagnosis, better chances and stronger hope

Published

5 days ago

2026/05/17

Thilina Walpola

Senior Consultant Cancer Surgeon Dr Anuruddha Thewarapperuma

Senior Consultant Cancer Surgeon Dr Anuruddha Thewarapperuma on…

In a timely and though-provoking session held at Apeksha Hospital, Senior Consultant Cancer Surgeon Dr. Anuruddha Thewarapperuma addressed one of the most pressing health concerns facing modern society, the growing prevalence of cancers and the importance of early detection.

Speaking to the ‘ Sunday Island,’ Dr Anuruddha stressed that awareness and timely medical intervention continue to be the strongest weapon in the fight against cancer. In Sri Lanka many cancer patients still arrive at hospitals during the advanced stages of illness, but the role of awareness, early detection and compassionate medical care has never been more vital to most patients.

Speaking on the growing burden of cancer in Sr Lanka, Dr Anuruddha stressed that one of the biggest challenges we face is delayed diagnosis. Many patients first seek treatment from family doctors, or attempt to ignore symptoms, often believing they are a minor health issue. By the time they meet a specialist, the disease may already be in an advanced stage

Cancer is no longer a disease affecting the old, he explained. Today we see younger patients, as well, especially with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung and oral cancer

Dr Thewarapperuma, who specialises in complex cancer surgeries, including breast, colorectal, pancreatic and lung cancers, highlighted that breast cancer remains one of the most common cancer among women in Sri Lanka. He urged women to undergo regular screenings and immediately seek medical advice if they notice unusual lumps, skin changes or discharges. Colorectal cancer, another rapidly rising concern, often begins with silent symptoms. He pointed out that warnings signs, such as changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss and persistent abdominal discomfort, should never be ignored. Lifestyle changes, unhealthy diets, and lack of excercise, are among the contributing factors behind the increasing numbers.

With Sri Lanka witnessing a steady rise in cases of breast cancer, colorectal lung and oral cancers, he noted many lives could be saved through routine screenings and greater public education. He said that we must not only be aware of medical facts but also on changing attitudes towards cancer.

He explained that fear, stigma and misinformation often prevent patients from seeking treatment early.

Cancer, detected early, can often be treated successfully, he emphasised, encouraging the public to pay attention to warning signs and prioritise regular health check-ups.

According to the veteran surgeon, the impact of modern lifestyles specially fast foods, smoking, dietary habits and environment influences are contributory factors. Many patients walk into my room frightened, not knowing what the future holds. Dr Thewarapperuma explained, some men and women worry about their children, some fear of losing thier identity, while others are terrified simply because of the word cancer itself. He stressed the emotional healing is just as important as medical treatment. Dr Thewarapperuma noted that not only the patient even families also experience emotional strain .

He said different cancers affect patients emotionally in different ways, yet fear and uncertainty remains common to all.

Speaking further on breast cancer, he said it remains one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide and in Sri Lanka. Many women initially struggle with shock and insecurity. They are emotinally shattered, He maintained with early diagnosis and medical treatment many cancer patients go on to lead healthy and confident lives.

He always focussed on the fact that early detection and timely treatment are crucial in improving survival rates and ensuring better quality of life for the patient. Breast cancer can often be treated successfully if detected early, he noted. Women should never ignore changes in their breasts, even if there is no pain

He encouraged women to become familiar with their own bodies, through regular self examinations. Common warning signs are a lump, changes in breast shape or size,,nipple discharge, a lump under the arm are a few symptoms women should be aware of.

He noted awareness, education and regular screenings and mammograms continue to play a vital role in reducing risks and improving survival rates.

Dr Thewarapperum also highlighted the growing incidence of colon cancer which is becoming increasingly common in Sri Lanka, yet many people are unaware of its early warning signs. This cancer is common among middle aged and older adults.

Symptoms such as persistent abnominal pain, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, blood in stools and ongoing fatigue should never be ignored

According to the Senior Consultant, many patients delay in seeking medical attention; they panic only after the disease reaches an advanced stage.

Talking about oral cancers, it continues to be one of the most common cancers in Sri Lanka, largely due to lifestyle habits, such as smoking, betel chewing and excessive alcohol consumption.

Colon cancer, is more frequently diagnosed in individuals above the age of 50.

Nevertheless youngest individuals, with unhealthy lifestyle habits, are also increasingly at risk

Also speaking about lung cancers Dr Thewarapperuma said this cancer affects both men and women and remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths.

He warned that even non-smokers are now at risk due to increasing exposure to harmful pollution.

According to him, many cancer patients seek medical attention, only at the advanced stage, because early symptoms are often overlooked by most people.

Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence in the advances made in cancer treatment in Sri lanka. Modern technology, improved surgical techniques,and multi disciplinary care have significantly improved patient outcomes and survival rates

However, delayed diagnosis among patients in Sr Lanka continues to remain one of the biggest challenges in cancer management.

Dr Anuruddha highlighted throughout our discussion the importance of early diagnosis significantly have higher success rates and better quality of life, after treatment.

Apeksha Hospital’s multi disciplinary approval to cancer management combining experienced consultants, advanced surgical procedures, diagnostic facilities and personalised patient care, has contributed positive treatment outcome across several common cancers including breast, colon, oral, lung and other cancers.

Dr Thewarapperuma explained that modern cancer care are not limited to surgery alone.

Timely screening, accurate diagnosis, coordinated specialist care and emotional support, all play a major role in successfull recovery.

“We at Apeksha Hospital continues to focus on patient centred treatments while creating awareness on prevention and early detection through educational programmes and medical discussions.

We remain committed to offer hope, confidence and quality healthcare to patients facing cancer diagnosis.

His message to the public was clear – awareness, early screening, and timely medical attention remains the strongest weapons in the fight against all kinds of cancer. He says cancer, when detected early, is no longer a battle that must be faced without hope and this disease is not the end of life either. Early detection saves lives and emotional strength gives patients the courage to continue their journey, said this well known Senior Consultant Cancer Surgeon. He is attached to several leading hospitals, including the istitute at Maharagama (Apeksha Hospital) and also Hemas and Asiri Surgical hospitals.

Life style

A milestone of excellence

Published

5 days ago

2026/05/17

Thilina Walpola

From Left: Nawaz Rizmi (Assistant Manager – Operations), Sahan Madusanka (Group HR Manager), Sandra Krishanthy (Assistant Manager – Medical Operations), Dr Sarah Fazy (Managing Director & CEO), Dr Nalini Samararathna (Medical Officer), and Chamath Goonesinghe (Head of Marketing).

Dr Sarah Fazy, also known as Dr Cherry, recently marked a major professional milestone by recieving the ISO certification. It is more than a professional achievement – it is a statement of discipline, vision and modern excellence in aesthetic medicine.

360 Skin Clinic & 360 Aesthetics has achieved a significant milestone in its journey of clinical excellence and service innovation after being awarded the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 / SLS ISO 9001:2015 certification, reinforcing its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading providers of cosmetic, aesthetic and wellness care.

Issued by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), the certificate of conformity recognises that 360 Wellness Centre (Pvt) Ltd., has successfully implemented a Quality Management System that meets the rigorous international standards of ISO 9001:2015, one of the world’s most respected benchmarks for quality assurance and continual improvement.

Founded by renowned cosmetic and aesthetic physician Dr Sarah Fazy, widely known as Dr Cherry, the 360 brand has built a reputation for combining medical expertise with personalised care, advanced technology and a strong commitment to client wellbeing. Over the years, the clinic has expanded its services while maintaining a steadfast focus on ethical practice, innovation and trusted results.

Commenting on the certification, Dr. Sarah Fazy, Founder of 360 Skin Clinic & 360 Aesthetics, said “This certification is a proud moment for our entire team and a reflection of the standards we strive to uphold every day. Quality care, patient safety and professional excellence have always been at the heart of our vision. Achieving ISO 9001:2015 recognition validates our commitment to delivering world-class services to every client who places their trust in us.”

Dr. Sarah Fazy receiving the ISO 9001:2015 certification

The achievement marks a new chapter for 360 Skin Clinic & 360 Aesthetics, ensuring that every treatment, consultation and customer interaction is guided by internationally recognised processes focused on consistency, safety, efficiency and patient satisfaction.

ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognised framework developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). It provides organisations with a structured model to enhance operational efficiency, maintain consistent service quality and continually improve customer experiences.

Dr. Sarah further stated, “At 360 Skin Clinic & 360 Aesthetics, we believe beauty and wellness should be approached with responsibility, precision and compassion. This milestone motivates us to continue raising the bar in aesthetic medicine and wellness care in Sri Lanka.”

For 360 Skin Clinic & 360 Aesthetics, the certification demonstrates its commitment to delivering dependable, high-quality services, maintaining robust quality control systems, continuously improving internal processes, ensuring transparency, accountability and professionalism, and prioritising patient safety and satisfaction.

The certification scope covers a broad portfolio of services, including medical and cosmetic skincare, haircare solutions, aesthetic consultations, facial treatments, cosmetic procedures, nail care, surgical enhancements and hair transplantation services.

This recognition provides customers with added confidence that they are receiving care aligned with internationally accepted standards, delivered by trained professionals using advanced techniques and modern technology.

Since its inception, 360 Skin Clinic has been driven by a mission to redefine beauty, wellness and self-care in Sri Lanka. What began as a visionary concept has evolved into a trusted brand supported by a multidisciplinary team of specialists dedicated to helping clients look and feel their best.

The clinic is known for conducting detailed consultations and personalised assessments to create bespoke treatment plans tailored to individual skincare and wellness goals. Its medical aesthetic team continues to invest in state-of-the-art technology and evidence-based treatments to remain at the forefront of the industry.

With the attainment of ISO 9001:2015 / SLS ISO 9001:2015 certification, 360 Skin Clinic & 360 Aesthetics strengthens its promise to deliver elevated care, trusted results and a standard of excellence clients can feel confident in.