The Sri Lanka Navy, considered the First Line of Defence of the nation, marked its 72nd Anniversary on Friday, 09th December.
At the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, a wide range of programmes are being conducted in each Naval Command, giving prominence to time-honored naval customs and religious practices.
In addition, capital ships of the Sri Lanka Navy will rest at anchor off the Galle Face Green today, 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 3548 senior and junior sailors were promoted and advanced to their next higher ranks and rates, at the recommendation of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne.
Incidentally, 02 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, 07 to the rank of Acting Sub Lieutenant, and 32 to the rank of Midshipman were promoted, soaring the 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, 1259 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 3548.
The Sri Lanka Navy said in a statement, several religious programmes were organized in view of the 72nd Anniversary of the Navy. Accordingly, the symbolic Kanchuka Puja and Flag Blessing ceremonies were held at the Ruwanwelisaya and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura on the 09th and 10th of November. Similarly, the Joint Christian Commemoration & Thanksgiving Service was held at St. Lucia’s Cathedral in Kotahena on 18th November.
In addition, an All-night Pirith Chanting and Alms Giving ceremonies were held at the Welisara Naval Complex on 25th and 26th of November 2022. The special Puja of Hindu tradition was held at Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Kovil, Colombo on 01st December, and the special Islamic prayer session was held at the Jummah Mosque, Chatham Street on 02nd December. During these multi-religious spiritual events, merits were transferred to fallen naval war veterans, and blessings were invoked on disabled naval war heroes, naval personnel both serving and retired, their family members, and the Navy for its anniversary.
Meanwhile, a ‘Gilanpasa’ offering was held at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy on 08th December, with the attendance of Commander of the Navy. On 09th December, the Commander of the Navy offered ‘Buddha Puja’ to the Sacred Tooth Relic and alms for the members of Maha Sangha have also been arranged at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Further, an Aloka Puja, arranged by the Naval Buddhist Association, will be held at Sandahiru Seya on 09th December.
Coinciding with the anniversary celebrations, the Navy has also organized blood donation campaigns and several Shramdhana Campaigns in Naval Commands. Incidentally, over 750 naval personnel donated blood at donation campaigns organized in the Northern and Eastern Naval Command. In addition, Shramdhana programmes were held in each Naval Command.
The Sri Lanka Navy said at the directives of the Commander in Chief of Armed Forces and President Ranil Wickremesinghe and under the able leadership of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, the Navy is kept prepared in all respects to thwart any form of challenges emanating from the ocean. (NewsWire)