Sri Lanka Navy celebrates its 57th anniversary today:

Sovereignty and integrity

by Panchamee Hewavissenti

The mission of the navy, the guarantor of national integrity, is to conduct prompt and sustainable combat operations at sea in accordance with the national policies for the defence of the nation and its interests. The navy therefore is the most vital defence force of an island nation like Sri Lanka.

Going back to the history of the navy in Sri Lanka, the Ceylon Naval Volunteer Force was formed in 1937. On October 9, 1950 the Navy Act was enacted and the Royal Ceylon Navy was formed. In 1972 with the introduction of the new Constitution, the Royal Ceylon Navy was renamed as the Sri Lanka Navy. The tasks and the role of the navy were drastically changed thereafter.

The role and the task of S.L Navy

The primary task of the navy is to defend and safeguard the national security and integrity of territorial waters, protecting the country from any internal or external enemy acts. Apart from that, the navy plays a vital role in avoiding gun-running, illicit immigration and emigration and smuggling.

It is the responsibility of the navy to protect harbours around the country and ships from piracy. Conducting Search And Rescue (SAR) operations inside the country as well as in deep seas, assisting other military arms in other operations are also some of the roles of the navy in an island nation.

It is the Navy which maintains the sea line of communication between the North and East in order to support the Security Forces personnel as well as the civilians in the Jaffna peninsula.

After independence from British rule in 1948 the government wanted a strong navy in order to make it the first line of defence.

The Sri Lanka Navy is a well balanced and cohesive force, capable of operating in waters around Sri Lanka effectively.

The operational capabilities of the navy on land too were improved tremendously during the recent past, due to the requirement of giving assistance to Sri Lanka Army and the Police to maintain a system of law and order during operational requirements and other emergencies on land.

The navy is the key maritime division of the Sri Lanka armed forces and is one of the vital cogs in the military wheel. The Sri Lanka Navy is comprised of five commands each being commanded by a flag of force and is eventually commanded by the commander of the Navy, who executes his command from the Naval Headquarters in Colombo.

Future of the navy in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will see a different navy in the near future. It will be very well groomed with its strength and technology to weaken Sea Tigers. Strategical expansions in the right direction at the right time will broaden the Sri Lanka Navy's capabilities and will be able to assist in making the Indian ocean a safe place.

The expected expansion process of the navy will no doubt add more strength to the fleet and the role that the navy has been playing for the last fifty seven years will continue in the future. A three dimensional navy (surface, air and sub surface) would be an ideal platform for the Sri Lankan Navy to go that extra mile on par with other navies in the region.

The navy continues to safe guard sovereignty and integrity working laboriously, shedding blood and sweat. We salute our officers and sailors who made their supreme sacrifice in protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.

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