Sri Lanka Navy turns 61
 

Guard of honour

Ceremonial parade

Sri Lanka Navy celebrated its 61st Anniversary on December 9, 2011 in an elaborate manner. The celebrations, held in accordance with naval traditions, consisted of religious and social functions conducted to coincide with the Navy Day. Started on February 12, 1937, as the Naval Volunteer Force, it ventured to be a formal naval force on February 1, 1938. With the enlistment of 28 Sri Lankans on 21st October 1938, a Navy consisting of local personnel came into being.

A Volunteer Naval Reserve was formed in 1939 comprising 8 officers and 50 sailors and it was transformed into the Ceylon Royal Volunteer Force in 1941. After Independence on February 4, 1948, the Navy had to be more formidable in its outlook.

With the amalgamation of the Ceylon Royal Volunteer Force and the Ceylon Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, the Royal Ceylon Navy came into being on December 9, 1950. The Royal Ceylon Navy thus began, is now on par with the other Navies in the World, having gradually acquired perfection in requisite technology and professionalism. With the dawn of peace, it contributes directly to the rapid development projects taking place in the country, utilizing its resources, the Navy renders assistance to the economic, social, and cultural development of the country.

The Navy Day celebrations were conducted giving prominence to religious activities. Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic ceremonies were held at the respective religious places to invoke blessings on the Navy and naval personnel. Merit was invoked on the heroic naval personnel who laid down their lives in the defence of the Motherland.

Main Buddhist religious ceremonies in view of the Navy’s 61st Anniversary were held at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy on December 8and9 2011 with the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, senior Naval officers, sailors and their family members in attendance. The commander of the Navy called on the Mahanayakas of the Asgiriya and Malwatte Chapters and obtained their blessings.

He attended the religious ceremonies at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic where a ‘Gilanpasa Pooja’ was held in the evening followed by a “Buddha Pooja” and an alms giving for 25 Buddhist monks the following day.