Sri Lanka Navy turns 63

The Sri Lanka Navy, which owns a proud history, will celebrate its 63rd anniversary tomorrow in an elaborate manner. Celebrations, held in accordance with naval traditions, consist of religious and social functions conducted to coincide with the Navy Day, which falls tomorrow.

Began on 12th February 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 October 21, 1938, a Navy consisting of local personnel came into being.

A Volunteer Naval Reserve was formed in 1939 comprising eight officers and 50 sailors and it was transformed into the Ceylon Royal Volunteer Force in 1941.

After gaining 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, has today come on par with the other Navies in the world, having gradually acquired perfection in requisite technology and professionalism.

During the humanitarian operation, Sri Lanka Navy contributed immensely to the victory by destroying ‘floating warehouses’ of the LTTE.

The small boat concept, an invention of the Sri Lanka Navy, terrified the Sea Tigers and drew the attention of the entire world due to its success in asymmetric warfare.

Seven hundred and seventy-three war heroes have sacrificed their lives and 368 have become disabled in battle to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the motherland. Sri Lanka Navy is the only operational naval force that has gained battle experience at sea in the recent past with proven battle victories.

With the dawn of peace, the Sri Lanka Navy also contributes to the rapid development projects taking place in the country.

Utilising its resources, the Navy renders assistance to the economic, social and cultural development of the country.

Under the guidance of Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Amiral Jayanath Colombage, the Navy is today engaged in a number of community projects to uplift the living conditions and the livelihoods of all communities. Rendering its assistance to promote the tourism industry, SLN has also embarked on several large scale projects by setting up holiday resorts, restaurants and boat services contributing to the national economy. Sri Lanka Navy today remains to defend the Motherland, being the “Golden Fence around the Nation” with the noble resolve of “Country First” foremost in its mission, fortified with honesty, discipline, loyalty and professionalism.