Hidden coral reef discovered off Kankasanthurai harbour

A diving team attached to the Northern Naval Command recently discovered a beautiful coral reef which remained a well-hidden secret until a recent deep-sea expedition in Kankasanthurai.

The diving expedition to uncover this coral reef which extends approximately 400 metres along the seaward side of the breakwater was conducted by a diving team led by Command Diving Officer, under the directives of Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Kapila Samaraweera.

Coral reefs have been identified as an essential element to balance the biodiversity of the ocean. Coral decays due to natural causes or harmful human activities. It is in this backdrop, under the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, the Northern Naval Command is committed to protect these coral reefs as well as conserve underwater marine sites in the northern seas.