The silent force

by Anushka Nanayakkara

Lecture at the Engineering school

Cadets practicing their flag signs at communication school

Up holding the victories against LTTE terrorism, the Sri Lanka Navy is commemorating its 57th Anniversary today. Their goal has always been to safe guard the monarch and principals of our nation.

This was or has never been an easy task from the time of training to all the achievements the officers of the Sri Lanka navy has made up to now has been an immense contribution.

Their moral is backed by the training which consists of psychological vitality, physical fitness, personality development training, courage, determination, customs and culture, hospitality and most of all patriotism. Their motto goes as 'Rata wata run weta' which means guardians of the nation.

During the period of the year 2006/2007 the SL Navy's Achievements have been remarkable. As a national military force they have no enemies but steadfastly stand against LTTE terrorism by protecting Mother Lanka with a golden fence. The Navy has crippled LTTE's task by destroying terrorism, mostly in the sea as well as on ground.

One of the best examples we could recall is winning the two areas Sampur and Muthur by preventing LTTE terrorism.

As the peoples leader, President Mahinda Rajapakse commanded to destroy the last three armed LTTE ships and thereafter has been successful with their mission and he honoured the Navy for accomplishing the task with a patriotic welcome. All the islands in the northern peninsula; administration, security and welfare of the Islands are being looked after by the Navy.

The SL Navy is made of five Commands - the Northern Naval Command, Southern Naval Command, Eastern Naval Command, Western Naval Command and North Central Naval Command.

The Navy has ranks starting with Admiral, Vice Admiral, Rear Admiral, Commodore, Captain, Commander, Lieutenant Commander, Lieutenant, sub Lieutenant and Midshipman.

All the personnel who are involved in this service are committed to give their utmost to their country. The Sri Lanka Navy's capabilities are not only proven in terms of national commitment and standards but internationally as well.

I once over heard as well as saw on the net that many countries state the Sri Lanka Navy as the only operational navy in the world, but is still commonly known as the 'silent military force.'

In the year 1967 the Naval Maritime Academy was separately established with the intention of creating a new era of Naval training which was until then at the Britania Royal Naval College, United Kingdom. The SL Naval Maritime Academy's motto is 'Moulding future Admirals'.

This year the Sri Lanka Navy is heralding its past achievements by adding a new vision in a more alluring and prototypical way. Religious ceremonies of all beliefs would take place to remember the naval hands who shed blood, those wounded in action and those who are already in the service to perform their duties to the best of their ability to shield 'mother Lanka' at all times.

We, the citizens of Sri Lanka extend a gracious salute for the silent service these officers have rendered thus far as well as for their bravery.

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