Upon the directives of Commander of the Navy, SLNS ‘Ranarisi’ was deployed by Sri Lanka Navy, fulfilling an international obligation of a coastal state, to retrieve the lives that were at stake following the oil tanker catching fire subsequent to an explosion in its engine room.

As a measure of recognition for the meritorious act carried out in special circumstances, the Commanding Officer of SLNS ‘Ranarisi’ Commander KRGRS Rantenna who carefully planned the entire rescue mission against all odds, as well as Lieutenant KGASM Wijerathne, Leading Engineering Mechanic, DLK Mudiyanse and Able Seaman WGGU Senarathne who volunteered to bring the injured third engineer from the fire engulfed ship back to SLNS ‘Ranrisi’ even disregarding the risk attached their personal lives, this acclamation was bestowed on them by Commander of the Navy.

Further, the leadership, commitment and professionalism exhibited by this team of naval personnel will be a fine precedent to the rest of the naval personnel as well.