Prior Training Conducted to Troops Participating for Amphibious Operation Exercise “Seagull” in Northern Naval Area

Before embarkation on exercise “SEAGULL”, 51 Infantry Division conducted amphibious operation training in Northern Naval Area with the assistance of Sri Lanka Navy. Amphibious warfare is a type of offensive military operation that uses naval ships to project ground and air power onto a hostile or potentially hostile shore at a designated landing beach. The Exercise “Seagull” is a joint operation between SL Army, SL Navy and SL Air Force.

The exercise is planned to conduct in Palaitivu Island which is located south of the Mandativu Island. 51 Infantry Division is actively engaged in this exercise under the supervision of General Officer Commanding, Major General SWB Welagedara RSP VSV USP ndc. Joint Training with Navy commenced from 04th January 2024 to 06thJanuary 2024, with the participation of SL Army troops before the final exercise to acclimatize for Naval ships and condition of the sea and voyage.

Troops of 511 Infantry Brigade, 11 SLLI, 14 GR, 9 (V) SLLI, two diving teams of 2SF and other supporting troops actively engaged in this training with Navy. 40 Officers and 353 soldiers from the Army eagerly participated for the training. The training was conducted in Chief Northern Naval Area Kankasanthurai and Sri Lanka Navy camp Kanchadewa at Kayts with number of Inshore Patrol Crafts (IPCs) and Landing Craft Mechanized (LCMs).

The objective of prior training as follows:

1. Embarkation and disembarkation in mass scale of soldiers from a ship.

2. Sea transportation experience in a LCM (Shakthi Vessel).

3. Boarding and disembarkation to small naval vessels.

4. Improving interoperability between SBS and Special forces in day and night operations.

5. Establishing signal communication to island with the support of Navy.

6. Logistic transportation in an amphibious operation with the support of Navy.

Further, Ex “Seagull Operation” D Day will commence on 11th January 2024 at Palaitive Island as an amphibious attack.