Sri Lanka Navy Celebrates 62nd Anniversary

Sri Lanka Navy celebrated its 62^nd Anniversary yesterday, 09^th December 2012. Celebrations, held in accordance with naval traditions, consisted of religious and social functions conducted to coincide with the Navy Day, which falls on 09th December.

Began on 12^th February 1937, as the Naval Volunteer Force, it ventured to be a formal naval force on 01^st February 1938. With the enlistment of 28 Sri Lankans on 21^st October 1938, a Navy consisting of local personnel came into being. After Sri Lanka gained Independence, 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 09th December 1950. With the adoption of the Republican Constitution in 1972, it came to be known as the Sri Lanka Navy.

Sri Lanka Navy played a pivotal role by venturing into the international waters and demolishing the terrorists’ International Arms Supply Network through the destructions of the enemy’s “floating arms warehouses” in successful deep sea operations. This made a turning point in the war against LTTE terror. The deadly blow dealt to the terrorists’ International Arms Supply Network crippled their fighting capability and diminished their firepower which would have had a devastating effect on advancing ground forces had it not been downsized by SLN.

With the battle experiences gained over the years, the Navy has today come on par with the other Navies in the world, having gradually acquired perfection in requisite technology and professionalism. Under the direction of the present Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage, Sri Lanka Navy today contributes directly to the rapid development projects taking place in the country with the dawn of peace. Utilizing its resources, the Navy renders assistance to the economic, social, and cultural development of the country in its journey towards becoming the Miracle of Asia.

Sri Lanka Navy, which completes an illustrious history of 62 years thus, remains committed 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.

[mappress]
Naval Today Staff, December 10, 2012; Image: Sri Lanka Navy