Sri Lanka Navy – the First Line of Defence of the Nation turns 72

The Sri Lanka Navy which is held in high esteem as the First Line of Defence of the Nation marked its 72nd Anniversary yesterday (December 9).

On the directives of Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, a number of programmes are being conducted in each Naval Command, giving prominence to time-honoured naval customs and religious practices.

In addition, capital ships of the Sri Lanka Navy were to rest at anchor off the Galle Face Green yesterday giving the public an opportunity to have a glance at some of the major ships of the Sri Lanka Navy.

Coinciding with its anniversary, 222 officers as well as 3,548 senior and junior sailors were promoted and advanced to their next higher ranks and rates on December 9, at the recommendation of the Navy Commander.

Incidentally, two officers to the rank of Commodore, 56 to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, 58 to the rank of Lieutenant, 67 to the rank of Sub Lieutenant, seven to the rank of Acting Sub Lieutenant and 32 to the rank of Midshipman were promoted taking the number of officers’ promotions to 222.

In the meantime, 692 personnel to the rate of Ordinary Seaman, 287 to the rate of Able Seaman, 951 to the rate of Leading Seaman, 1,259 to the rate of Petty Officer, 330 to the rate of Chief Petty Officer, 18 to the rate of Fleet Chief Petty Officer and 11 to the rate of Master Chief Petty Officer, taking the tally of junior and senior sailor promotions to 3,548.

From its small beginnings, the Navy has etched its name in the annals of Sri Lankan history by its courage and commitment for the protection of the nation. In the run-up to World War II, the Ceylon Volunteer Naval Force was established in the country by the Naval Volunteer Force Ordinance No. 01 of 1937. Subsequently, the Ceylon Volunteer Naval Force was renamed as the Ceylon Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve on October 1, 1943.