Exercise “Seagull” 2024 at Palaitivu Island of Northern Sea Area Culminated with Success

The Amphibious Training Exercise “SEAGULL” kicked off at Northern Sea area, Palaitivu Island in Jaffna peninsula on 07 January and continued till 12 January 2024. The main exercise held on 11 January 2024 concluded the joint exercise, which was attended by troops of Army, Navy and Air Force. The exercise was designed to train troops on induction of an amphibious task force, establishing and securing of beach head, landing of main force, neutralizing opposing force, rescuing hostages, casualty evacuation and providing Humanitarian Assistance for Disaster Relief. Based on reconnaissance carried out from 07 to 10 January 2024 by troops of Special Forces and Special Operations platoons (SOP) of 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry and 14 Gajaba Regiment of Sri Lanka Army and troops of Special Boat Squadron and Marines of Sri Lanka Navy, launched an amphibious landing at Palaitivu Island under the covers of darkness on 11 January 2024. Subsequently, landing troops intruded in to the Island neutralized the enemy and rescued hostages.

Prior to commencement of the exercise proper, Army troops were trained on embarkation, disembarkation from main ships, boarding to small craft from ships and disembarkation from small craft at beach and establishment of beach head at Sri Lanka Navy bases at Kankasanthurai and Kayts from 04 to 06 January 2024 under the supervision of Commander 51 Infantry Division and Commander Northern Naval Area.

When dusk fell on 10 January 2024, under the command of Commander Amphibious Task Force (CATF), Landing Craft Machanized (LCM) “SHAKTHI” and Landing Craft Utility (LCU) L821 departed for Palaitivu area from Kankasanthuri harbor onboard 310 troop of Army including Commander Ground Force. Number of Inshore Patrol Crafts and Dora Ships and small boats provided protection during the sea passage. Subsequently, on arrival of ships carrying Army troops off Palaitivu Island, troops disembarked from ships to Inshore Patrol Craft and spearheaded towards the Island under the cover of darkness and simulated aerial bombardment, Naval Gun Fire (NGF) and artillery fire. Later on, after securing of landing zone by Special Forces of Army and Navy, main force landed at the beach and established a beach head.

Thereafter, landed troops intruded in to the island and destroyed the enemy and recued the hostages held by the enemy. When fall of noon, troops were able to get entire Island in to their control. A bell 212 to helicopter of Sri Lanka Air Force hovered over the Island and extracted casualties and taken to Palaly Army Hospital. Subsequently, Naval troops of medical and civil engineering branches conducted Humanitarian Assistance for Disaster Relief (HADR) operation in the Island by medically screening released hostages, cleaning wells and repairing damage buildings in the Island.

The architects of this joint amphibious exercise “SEAGULL” General Officer Commanding 51 Infantry Division, Major General Vajira Welagedara RSP VSV USP ndc and Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral TMAA Thennakoon WWV RSP ndu witnessed the final exercise at the island with Senior Officers and Officers from SFHQ(J), 51 Division AOR and Northern Naval Area.

This rare opportunity provided avenues for Tri-Forcers participants to develop interoperability, maneuverability, communication and foster mutual understanding. 42 Officers and 360 Other Ranks from HQ 51 Division, HQ 511 Brigade, 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry, 14 Gajaba Regiment and 9(V)Sri Lanka Light Infantry participated the exercise.

Beside the Army troops Sri Lanka Navy provided 62 Officers and 618 Other Ranks and Sri Lanka Air Force provided 03 Officers and 09 Other Ranks for the exercise “SEAGULL” 2024. A debriefing of the exercise was held at Cinema Hall SFHQ (J) on 15 January 2024 with participation of all stakeholders of the exercise, which concluded the week long joint exercise.