SRI LANKA NAVY: THE FIRST GUARDIAN OF THE EMERALD ISLAND

"When a crisis confronts the nation, the first question often asked by policymakers is: 'What
naval forces are available and how fast can they be on station?' “-- Admiral C.A.H. Trost,
USN Chief of Naval Operations Proceedings, May 1990

History of the Sri Lanka Navy runs back to as far as 1937. In January 1938 the first Officers were
commissioned (two English and Two Sri Lankan) and subsequently with an Officer intake of
experienced British seamen and a greater number of Ceylonese followed by an intake of Signalman
Gunners paved way for the establishment of the Ceylon Naval Volunteer Force (CNVF). On 31st
August 1939, the CNVF was mobilized for war duties. Three years later, CNVF was absorbed into
the Royal Navy (RN) as the Ceylon Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve (CRNVR) and continued to be
under RN till March 1946. The first Commanding Officer of the CRVNR was Captain
W.G.Beauchamp, VRD, CBE. After the war he was succeeded by Cdr. G.R.M De Mel as the
Commanding Officer CRVNR with 9 Officers and 91 Sailors making up the force.

With the dawn of a new era, after laps of just over two years after the independence on 9th
December 1950, the Navy Act, chapter 358 of the legislative enactments of Ceylon was passed
writing a new chapter in the history of Ceylon. The then Naval Advisor to the Government, Capt
WE Banks, CBE, DFC was appointed to act as the Commanding Officer of the Royal Ceylon Navy
(RCyN). The Navy grew in size gradually and by 1957- 58 the complement was read as 136
Officers and 1650 sailors.

In 1972 with Ceylon becoming the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the Royal Ceylon
Navy became the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN). Ever since its inception until 1980 apart from assisting the
Military and Civil Powers during the 1971 insurrection, the Navy’s Role had been basically
ceremonial. But with the outbreak of separatist terrorism in the county the Navy had to adopt a fast
but effective transition from a ceremonial Navy to fully trained and highly motivated fighting Navy
which could take on enemy at anywhere on the sea at any time in whatever the magnitude.

The brave sailors of mother Lanka fought hard relentlessly to decimate the LTTE’s military
infrastructure, severe communication and supply lines, smash weapon arsenals, and destroy morale
of the enemy. Today, with the years of experience in the harsh operating environments of the battle
against one of the most ferocious terrorist organizations in the world, Sri Lankan Naval forces are
ready to respond to any kind of international and regional crises but will focus largely to protect Sri
Lankan interests and citizens. Sri Lanka Navy after defeating the LTTE’s sea activities at sea
remain the only naval element in Sri Lanka which can carry guns to the sea.

The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) being the only Naval Arm of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces is classed as
the most vital defence force of Sri Lanka, due being an island. Sri Lanka Navy has approximately
50,000 personnel on active duty as of today. It conducts maritime operations at sea for the defence
of the Sri Lankan nation and its interests. Sri Lanka being situated in the middle of major sea lanes
passing through the Indian Ocean has always been a magnet for sea farers. Sri Lanka stands amidst
major sea routes connecting Africa, Middle East, South Asia and East Asia with Europe and
chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca.
THE LEADERSHIP

The Elam War IV erupted with renewed virulence in year 2006 and was fought in all fronts of the
battle until the leadership of the LTTE met its nemesis in May 2009. The sea battles were very
decisive as the SL Navy was effectively led, directed and controlled by the charismatic Commander
of the Navy then, Admiral WKJ Karannagoda. He was succeeded by the then Chief of Staff, a
highly intellectual and dedicated leader, Vice Admiral TSG Samarasinghe. He is a great product of
Royal Collage, Colombo and has held an unblemished and a promising service career for virtually
35 years when he was appointed as the 16th Commander of Navy by His Excellency the President
Mahinda Rajapaksha on 15th July 2009. His vision regarding the future of the Navy was clearly
mirrored when he made an eloquent speech recently at the historic 19th International Sea Power
Symposium in Rhode Island, USA

It is noteworthy to quote some interesting parts of his speech for the benefit of the readers of this
article.

The survival of the global population is dependent on maritime trade. SLOCS

today are highly vulnerable to terrorist and pirate attacks, which threaten this
critical lifeline….Preparation to counter maritime terrorism, cannot be
undertaken alone, and needs transnational support, unlike combating terrorist
activity on land…..Maritime terrorism is global and asymmetric. Our response
must be global, appropriate and pre emptive. We can deter, and defeat
terrorism at sea if the right steps are taken at the right time in a cooperative
effort……Together, trust, collaborative action, dialogue, talk, shares,
coordination, breaking barriers, common understanding, unity of effort are…..
We need to put those words in to practice…..We in Sri Lanka have done exactly
that and given a strong message to Insurgents and terrorists worldwide that
they can be decisively defeated. The Sri Lanka navy in this regard has done her
duty in eradicating a maritime terrorist group supporting terrorists on land.
Now the ball is in our court in supporting Sri Lanka and other countries in
denying them from raising their ugly head again. --- The Commander of the Sri
Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Tisara Samarasinghe at the historic 19th International Sea Power
Symposium in Rhode Island, USA.

Contribution to the War Effort

Sri Lanka Navy proved its might by venturing out to deep sea for thousands of miles away from our
coasts with its “men of war” and hunting down the LTTE floating warehouses thereby depriving the
LTTE of the logistic support which is an important principle in any kind of warfare for a force to
sustain in battle. This, without an iota of doubt, was one important factor which helped the ground
forces to move forward against de moralized groups of fighters who found themselves to be in the
doldrums with munitions stocks dried down to a terrifying condition. All these warships did a
remarkable job round the clock to run the naval barriers and blockades to keep the enemy at bay and
quarantine the enemy held shores of receiving any kind of support from the outside world.

The most daring force of all time sea battle and the cutting edge of SLN was the Fast Attack Craft
(FAC) Squadron, which from its inception in 1984 have held the line tight and stayed together
against all odds at sea. FACs were invariably among the first on the scene of action in time of
trouble at sea. Never in the history of Naval Warfare in the world have we seen such brave men of
honour who dared taking the Sea Tiger’s “Kamikaze” Suicide Craft head on. This was so evident
when a Dvora rammed a Suicide craft in an unforgettable heroic feat of the recent past in a valiant
effort to save 710 Service personnel onboard MV Pearl Cruise. It was thanks to the same kind of
heroes another 854 servicemen’s lives were spared when the Passenger Carrier Jet Liner – A 545
came under attack.

The Special Boats Squadron (SBS) along with the Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) opened a
new concept in littoral combat especially within the sphere of asymmetric warfare to effectively
counter the swarming tactics of the Sea Tigers. As cleverly foreseen by the former Commander of
the Navy Admiral WKJ Karannagoda, Sri Lanka Navy proved its might in littoral warfare where
even the most formidable navies in the present context with all their state of the art war machines
are yet to prove themselves.

The Role of the Sri Lanka Navy in the Present Context

During the past 59 years, especially during the last three decades of war, Sri Lanka Navy has been
gradually structured to provide four fundamental military and non military capabilities. First is
control of the sea to assure Sri Lanka can use the oceans for economic and military purposes while
denying such access to opponents in time of crisis or war. Second is the ability to project power
ashore with naval gunfire, rockets, and marine forces--either in support of sea-control or to support
a joint campaign ashore. Third, the Navy provides Aid to Civil Power in time of unrest or any civil
disturbances. Finally, the Navy provides aid by way of men, expertise and material in times of
natural calamities. Now the war is over. Yet the battle for success; to free our nation from the
manacles of human suffering caused by the savagery of LTTE’s war of attrition has just begun. Sri
Lanka as a nation must look back and ponder if they really want to look beyond. Most of us are
unaware of the fact that we are standing amidst a vastly resourceful ocean. This is not a time for us
to point fingers at our predecessors and kill time and let such valuable resources to which we all Sri
Lankans heir to be locked down unutilized or let anyone else to exploit to their advantage. If not the
future recorder of the history of our country might well say that Sri Lanka remains a failed nation
because its people could not preserve and utilize the resources of the sea around the island nation to
the best of its advantage.

With regard to this aspect let’s now see how and why the Sir Lanka Navy being in the vanguard of
protecting the island nation during the war will still continue to do so and help the people of Sri
Lanka to be a free and determined nation to enjoy a much prospect full and happier living.

Protection of Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCS)

As we all know Sri Lanka claims a total land mass of 65 610 km 2 with a costal belt of
approximately 1200 km long. Being situated in the centre of the Sea Lines of Communication
(SLOC) of east west trade in the Indian Ocean it has become so important for many nations who are
involved with the art of Sea Faring. The growing concern for protecting trade at sea in the ever
increasing attacks mounted on merchant vessels by the sea pirates in the Indian Ocean has put all
seagoing nations on red alert. Hence, the duties and responsibilities of each sea going nation will be
very demanding and especially the entire world will now look up to the masters of such warfare, the
SL Navy.

Continuous Surveillance and Naval Operation

Sri Lanka Navy will not abdicate nor alienate their duties and responsibilities as the first line of
defence of Sri Lankan. Therefore, as envisaged by the policy makers of SLN, it will keep their
Warships and all other naval craft in all probable states of readiness and use its state of the art array
of Marine Surveillance Radar system installed along the coast. These Radars capable of detecting
any inbound threat or any unwanted guest in the sea for a distance of 400km (200 NM) from the
coast. All these radars are positioned at strategically important coastal locations and with time to
come, will be definitely fortified and expanded as deemed necessary.

Today the SLN is among the most experienced Naval forces specially that of an island Nation in the
world. As the newly appointed Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral TSG Samarasinghe
emphasises; The primary role of protecting the country from any threat projected from the seaward
both in time of war and peace alike remain unchanged but the duty to serve the nation with
unwavering dedication in all fronts will be the order of the day for the SLN for the rest of its
voyage.

Protection of Maritime Resources and Fishing Industry

We all are aware of the fact that Sri Lanka being an island, by the rights granted by the United
Nations Convention of the Law Of the Sea (UNCLOS), can claim a sea area of 21 times of its size
of land area and as per the regulations and rights granted by the International Maritime Organization
(IMO) and the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) we can scientifically claim an area
equivalent to 27 times that of land area on the continental shelf. More importantly, all the living and
non living marine resources therein are belonged to us. These include the crude oil deposits,
minerals and marine life. It is incumbent on the Navy to protect these resources being illegally
exploited and preserve them for the generations to come. SLN will render any assistance to in all
endeavours to use them for the country’s requirements. It is very evident that the optimum
utilization of these resources at sea will undoubtedly make Sri Lanka the fastest growing economy
in the region.

It is equally important to protect our fishing vessels in cases of natural disasters or even form any
kind of atrocities by illegal fishermen on our vessels and above all from the perpetrators of
gunrunning, drug trafficking and human smuggling. Hence, constabulary duties in the waters
extending up to 200 NM from the coastal lines like assisting the Sri Lanka Customs to stop
contraband stuff coming into the country and thereby prevent huge losses to the government in
terms of revenue from imports, will be among the major tasks of the SLN.

Assisting the Government in Development Activities

The civil administration of the northern islands is carried out with the assistance of the Navy.
Recently nearly ten thousand (10 000) IDP s were resettled in the northern islands by the Sri Lanka
Navy in liaison with government agents under the Government’s Resettlement Programme. Transit
centres for IDP s with domestic facilities have been established by the Navy in the Northern Islands
and the registrations and resettlement process is carried out with the assistance of the Navy. Medical
clinics and other welfare activities for the IDP s are also facilitated by the Navy.
SLN has been playing a vital role in assisting the government to lift up the living standards of the
peoples. The SLN is very much instrumental in making 1509 houses for war heroes at Ipalogama
Housing Project and thereby have helped save 423 million Rupees for the government.

The Navy plays a vital role in recommencing and developing of the fishing industry in the North.
Fishing marshalling points have been established by the Navy and fishermen are allowed to indulge
in their traditional ways of livelihood twenty four hours of the day without any interruptions.

After taking over the North-western coastal area by the Navy, much development activities have
been undertaken there. Naval troops involved in these projects had to clear the area of mines and
booby traps before beginning the road construction projects Silavathura to Mullikulam (27km),
Silavathura to Arippu (07Km), Silavathura to Murukkan (11 km), Kokkupadayan to
Mahavilachchiya (32km) and Mullikulam to Eluvankulam (33km) are some of the road
reconstruction projects which have already been completed and work on Kurulukuda to Pookkulam
(30km) road is underway.

Providing Professionals for the Development of the Country

As SLN as a force full of intellectuals and all kind of tradesmen, apart from the fact that they are
skilled sea farers, is always prepared to assist our country’s projects in whatever the available
means with special emphasis to Research and Development (RND). Naval personnel serving in
specialties from medicine, marine, electrical and civil engineering, diving, search and rescue
operations, navigations, gunnery to mine warfare with the reservists will undoubtedly make a good
force in the Endeavour of making this country a better place for us. The sailors who retire after and
ocean full of knowledge and expertise of their fields of interest have a massive demand both in
public and private sector. The Navy is very much inclined towards self development of its members.
SLN Officers and sailors get a variety of courses in their fields of interests not only in Sri Lanka but
in other countries like USA, UK, Germany, China etc. The mammoth exposure Naval personnel get
is unmatched to what their counterparts get in other organization in Sri Lanka. Hence, it is always
agreeable to refer to Sri Lanka Navy as the “University of Mid Ocean” – Maha Sayura Meda
Sarasaviya”

Naval Diplomacy and Strengthening of International Relations

Naval Role doesn’t cease at the limits of maritime boundaries but goes far beyond. Navy makes
good will visits to certain countries and even invite them to do combine Naval exercise to instil
confidence and cooperation among such navies. The beauty of the Navy is by traditions, customs
and even by the modus operandi virtually every Navy in the world is similar to each other. The SLN
does the role of a diplomat in such interactions. Sri Lanka Navy is playing an important role in
enhancing bilateral relations with our closest neighbour India by conducting combined training
exercises and all other multi faceted interactions with the Indian Navy.

Providing Assistance During Natural Calamities and Disasters and Conducting SAR Missions

As per the agreements with the International Maritime Organization and International Hydrographic
Organization, littoral countries have allocated with sea areas of responsibility for Search and Rescue
(SAR) operations. The search and rescue region allocated to Sri Lanka extends up to a vest sea area
and is about twenty seven times of the land mass. Sri Lanka Navy upholds its moral principal of
helping anyone who is in troubled waters both at sea and on land in times of manmade or natural
disasters by conducting Search and Rescue (SAR) missions. SLN is a force capable of doing search
and rescue missions at times of disaster at sea, during floods or in any event where the requirements
of divers and life savers are required. Naval divers and rescue teams are ready to respond to any
disastrous situation at a short notice where ordinary man power and human skill would not match
the demands of such situations.

Protection to Life Lines of the Nation

Most of the important water reservoirs in the country are guarded and patrolled by the Sri Lanka
Navy. Naval personnel are called in to activate harbour facilities during state of unrest and even
where uninterrupted supply of essential services is required.

Contribution to Sports and Recreation

The Navy which is constituted of physically and mentally fit personnel who excel in all kind of
water sports and other field sport activities help promote sailing, swimming, rowing and others kind
of aquatic sports and recreation among the people of Sri Lanka. Also they take part in international
sports events and have brought credit to Sri Lanka.

Organizational Ethics

The SLN being a force renowned for its ethical behaviours towards the environment displays strict
compliance with the standards of environmental protection and stands firm against sea pollution by
any means. It also exemplifies its pious attitude by helping all kind of communities to arrange
religious festivals and help construct and renovate places of worship. SLN also actively participate
in the educational process of the country by training the School Naval Cadets of the National Cadet
Corps and even conducting awareness programmers on disaster management through participatory
lectures, seminars and even through the mass media.

Hence, it has to be borne in our mind that the Sri Lanka Navy is doing a mammoth and respectful
service to the public as well as to the government of Sri Lanka to maintain peace and boost up
economy in the country. No person with a sense of gratitude can ever forget the noble service the
SLN has done for the country and its people ever since its inception. The days of terror is no more
but still the Navy is always awake to preserve the National interests.

As the Sri Lanka navy sets sail for the 60th year we are morally obliged to remember those “FEW
GOOD MEN” who paid the supreme sacrifice to keep our nation’s Lion Flag flying high. The
nation is forever indebted to our heroes who sacrificed life, limb and liberty for our country. They
are among the best of our country and a shining example to all in our nation. It’s an honor to say
that we were your comrade sailors. There is no group of people that we hold in higher regard than
our fallen sailors. The flag that draped over their casket during their last journey is the same flag
that they fought, bled, and died for. We feel you in every wave that laps ashore, every breath we
take and in every flower we smell and touch. It is because of you that we live in the greatest, freest
and proudest country in the world.

After 59 years of excellence in valour, glamour and grandeur, SLN today, is a formidable,
determined and a professional force which will be blessed with fair winds and following seas in the
voyage they steer our country for the glory.
LCDR (G) Sanjeewa Kathriarachchi

Media Centre for National Security