The Sri Lanka Navy’s largest passenger craft, Jetliner, which served as a life line between the North and East during the humanitarian operations of the recently concluded 26-year long civil war, set sail on a new journey at the launching ceremony of Jetliner Entertainment Cruise Venture on January 22 at the Port of Colombo.

The troopship played a pivotal role in naval humanitarian operations. It ferried thousands of security forces personnel, civilians, and goods between the Trincomalee and Kankesanthurai ports till the main ground supply routes were cleared and restored after war was declared over.

With this new maritime venture, the troopship Jetliner is set to continue her valuable service to the nation in a different sphere.

The nautical enterprise, under the theme ‘Visit Sri Lanka 2011,’ is a joint venture between the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority to promote peacetime and tourism for Sri Lanka.

The launching of the ship was held in keeping with Naval traditions and customs.  The Commander of the Navy said that on the directions of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka and the Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Jetliner is to set sail on a new course of nautical enterprise while still maintaining its lift capabilities for the Sri Lanka Navy, and extending her services for the tourism and hospitality industry.

This venture will be a step forward in reaping the dividends of peace established after many years of bloody conflict in the country.

Subsequently, the ship left the harbor for a short sail where the invitees were treated for a sundown cocktail, and later for a twilight menu.  The Navy Band kept sprits high with their musical and cultural entertainment.  A breathtaking fireworks display at sea enthralled the guests.

Jetliner will chart the waters as a recreational cruise ship, taking on board weddings, corporate events, and other social functions.  The ship is redressed and equipped to cater to the needs of the new clientele.  The ship boasts a passenger capacity of 600 persons and 160 motor vehicles, a banquet area, conference hall, ballroom, and observation deck for 250 persons.

Jetliner is being marketed to be hired on an hourly basis, or for day trips, either docked in the port or outside territorial waters.

Since the end of hostilities in May 2009, the Sri Lanka Navy, in its role as the first line of defense, has become involved in the development process of the country.  As a part of that process, the Navy is utilizing its assets not only as a source to generate income, but also to increase efficiency of development.

Honorable Minister of Tourism, Achala Jagoda, graced the groundbreaking event as the Chief Guest.  He was received by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, on his arrival.  Ambassadors, secretaries to the ministry of tourism and ministry of ports and aviation, and foreign dignitaries were among the list VIP invitees.  Many senior naval officers and a large number of other invitees, including members of the media, were also present.

Originally published through the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Sri Lanka Navy website on January 23, 2010.

Click here to access the original article.

Visit the SLF Gallery to see pictures from the event.

Pictures courtesy of Sri Lanka Navy website.

Tags: Other

This entry was posted on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 1:01 am and is filed under Other. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.