Armed Hovercraft for sale -Rs. 250 million

The Sri Lanka Navy has called tenders to sell its only Hovercraft - Landing Craft Air Cushion  (LCAC) that has never seen any action nor being used for any security related operation during its illustrious career.

This UK built LCAC was purchased by then commander of the Navy , Admiral.Daya Sandhagiri for a exuberant price , with of course kick backs provided/received for use in amphibious attacks, mainly to land Special Forces and spearhead troops in the shallow waters of the North.

The medium-lift M10,  is capable of carrying 50 troops or two jeeps ,and is equipped with a forward ramp for easy access and landing and is armed with a 20mm cannon.

When the Sri-Lanka Navy acquired this  Hovercraft ,they were told that it could achieve a speed of 50 knots with a full load of 10 tons and a range of 600 km for logistical use.however, during sea trails in both UK and later in Sri Lanka, it was revealed that it could only sustain speeds up to 35 knots and the payload capability restricted the range.

This Hovercraft was once hired out by the Navy for the launch of the Porche Cayenne , the SUV of Porche in 1998 and earned some money for the Navy. apart from that , it was never used for any other purpose , either military nor commercial, other than the yearly photo op , for the Navy calender and publications.

In 2005, then newly elected Rajapaksha administration wanted it to take part in the show of sea power on Independence day and it almost made to the last rehearsal before being withdrawn with engine failure.

Aftermath of the 2004 Tsunami when the Navy found itself deploying all sea worthy assets for relief and recovery, the LCAC failed the Navy  another time...,

All in all the SLN Hovercraft excelled well in qualifying it self as a 'white elephant' ,however, with intense pressure brought in by Admiral.Daya Sandhagiri, it was purchased using public money and was rendered useless afterwards.

Sandagiris actions are well documented , not only with regards to the purchase of the Hovercraft ( which is a minor issue) but with many other purchases and in general the mis-management of the Navy during his time as the Commander and later as all powerful CDS.

Apart from 'Soosai' of the LTTE Sea Tigers, Daya Sandagiri ranks No.2 in the list of people who were responsible for destroying the Sri Lanka Navy. at least Mahinda Rajapaksha administration did some good by getting rid of him, but that should not be the end to this sad story.

In my opinion Daya Sandhagiri should be tried for high treason and be shot at dawn ..may be in Trincomalee.pay back for all the sons of this country who perished at sea fighting in the name of Sri Lanka.