Voyage of courage: Sri Lanka Navy at 57

The Sri Lanka Navy marks its 57th anniversary today with religious ceremonies being held to invoke blessings on the naval forces, both present and past, those still in service, those who laid down their lives and those who were wounded in action.

The Ceylon Naval Volunteer Force (CNVF) was established in 1937. After the Second World War, it was absorbed into the Royal Navy as Ceylon Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (CRNVR). After Independence, a nucleus of 100 officers and men prepared to form the Regular Navy. The Navy Act was enacted on December 9, 1950 and the Royal Ceylon Navy was formed. In 1972, with the introduction of the new constitution it was renamed as Sri Lanka Navy.

Today, with many chapters written in its history, the Sri Lanka Navy plays a crucial role in the defence of the country, conducting prompt combat operations at sea when faced with the terrorist threat. Its operational capability on land too has been strengthened tremendously during the recent past to assist the forces maintain law and order.

Published here are some pictures from the past.

Courtesy ‘The Sri Lanka Navy’

Operation Rana Derena: An RCL equipped jeep rolls off a Navy ship	Sri Lanka’s first Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake and first Sri Lankan C.O., CRNVR, Cdr. G. R. M. de Mel on board the first Sri Lanka Navy ship.	The National Flag is hoisted on Vijaya for the first time. The Lion Flag of the last king of Kandy was used till a new national flag was designed and adopted.