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{{short description|naval component of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces}}
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name=Sri Lanka Navy
|native_name = ශ්‍රී ලංකා නාවික හමුදාව <br>இலங்கை கடற்படை
|image= File:Sri Lanka Naval Seal.png
|image_size = 180
|dates= Around 150 BCE (Medival Navy)
|country={{flag|Sri Lanka}}
|branch=
|type=[[Navy]]
|role=Naval and maritime Defence
|size=48,000,<ref name="jni"/> 225+ Ships with additional 2 on order
|command_structure=[[Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka)|Ministry of Defence]]
|decorations= See:''[[Military awards and decorations of Sri Lanka]]''
|website={{url|www.navy.lk}}
|current_commander_label= [[Commander of the Navy (Sri Lanka)|Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy]]
|current_commander=[[Vice Admiral]] [[Piyal De Silva]]
|commander2 =
|commander2_label = Chief of Staff
|commander3 =
|commander3_label = Deputy Chief of Staff
|garrison=[[SLNS Parakrama]], [[Colombo]]
|garrison_label=Naval Headquarters
|ceremonial_chief=
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
<!-- Insignia -->
|identification_symbol=[[File:Naval Ensign of Sri Lanka.svg|border|200px]]
|identification_symbol_label=Naval Ensign
|identification_symbol_2= [[File:Flag of Sri Lanka.svg|200px]]
|identification_symbol_2_label=Naval Jack
|nickname=
|patron=
|motto=රට වට බැදි රන් ‍වැට<br />''Rata Wata Badi Run Weta'' <br />[[English language|English]]:"The golden fence around the country"
|colors=
|march=
|mascot=
|battles=[[World War II]]<br />[[1971 JVP Insurrection]]<br />[[1987–89 JVP Insurrection|Insurrection 1987–89]]<br />[[Sri Lankan Civil War]]
|notable_commanders=Admiral [[W.W.E.C. Fernando]] {{KIA}}<br /> Admiral [[Wasantha Karannagoda]]<br /> Admiral [[Thisara Samarasinghe]]
|anniversaries=December 9 (Navy Day)}}


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{{SLN}}


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The '''Sri Lankan Navy''' ({{lang-si|ශ්‍රී ලංකා නාවික හමුදාව|Śrī Laṃkā nāvika hamudāva}}; {{lang-ta|இலங்கை கடற்படை|Ilaṅkai kaṭaṟpaṭai}}) is the [[navy|naval arm]] of the [[Sri Lanka Armed Forces]] and is classed as the country's most vital defence force due to its island geography. The SLN is responsible for the maritime defense of the Sri Lankan nation and its interests.


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[[Sri Lanka]], situated in the middle of major [[sea lane]]s passing through the [[Indian Ocean]], was always a magnet for seafarers and has a long history of naval campaigns. The current Sri Lankan Navy was established on 9 December 1950 when the Navy Act was passed for the formation of the '''Royal Ceylon Navy'''. The roots of the modern Sri Lankan Navy date back to 1937 when the '''Ceylon Naval Volunteer Force''' was established, which was renamed and absorbed into the [[Royal Navy]] as the '''Ceylon Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve''' during World War II. The current name ''Sri Lanka Navy'' was constituted in 1972 when Sri Lanka became a republic and the introduction of new constitution.


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In recent years it has played a key role in the [[Sri Lankan Civil War]], conducting surveillance and patrol, amphibious and supply operations. During the war, the navy moved from a small force focused on coastal patrols to a large combat force concentrating on [[asymmetric warfare|asymmetric naval warfare]] capable of amphibious and land operations in support of [[counter-insurgency]] operation that progressed into engagements of a new form of [[littoral zone]] warfare. It carried out expeditionary deployments in the Indian Ocean in order to intercept rogue arm shipments on the high seas. The navy has its own elite [[special forces]] unit, the [[Special Boat Squadron (Sri Lanka)|Special Boat Squadron]].


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The professional head of the navy is the [[Commander of the Navy (Sri Lanka)|Commander of the Navy]], currently Vice Admiral [[Piyal De Silva]].<ref name="sundayobserver">{{cite web|url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2014/06/29/sec02.asp|website=sundayobserver.lk|title=2014/06/29/sec02|accessdate=2018-08-16}}</ref> The [[commander-in-chief]] of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces is the [[President of Sri Lanka]], who heads the [[National Security Council (Sri Lanka)|National Security Council]] through the [[Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka)|Ministry of Defence]], which is the highest level of military command and procurement for the armed forces.<ref>{{Cite news| title=Commander-in-Chief Completes One Year in Office | date=2007-03-08 | publisher=Media Center for National Security | url =http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/articles/commander-in-chief.html?PHPSESSID=8a9729bc19d560d81319bc8bee3f380a | accessdate = 2007-04-20 |archiveurl = https://archive.is/20070928111958/http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/articles/commander-in-chief.html?PHPSESSID=8a9729bc19d560d81319bc8bee3f380a <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-09-28}}</ref> Operations of the Sri Lanka Navy are coordinated with the other armed forces by the Joint Operations Command. The Sri Lanka Navy has five [[patrol boat|Offshore Patrol Vessels]]s, two [[missile boat]]s, 12 patrol boats, more than 35 [[fast attack craft]], six landing ships/craft and a large number of littoral craft, along with six auxiliary vessels. Its personnel number 48,000 of whom approximately 15,000 are deployed for shore duties.<ref name="jni">[http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=1198 Sri Lanka learns to counter Sea Tigers’ swarm tactics, JANE’S NAVY INTERNATIONAL] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103051541/http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=1198 |date=2011-11-03 }}, [[Jane's Information Group]]</ref>


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==Role==
The role of the Sri Lanka Navy is to conduct operations at sea for the defence of the nation and its interests and conduct prompt and sustainable combat operations at sea in accordance with the national policies.<ref>{{Cite web| url = http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=3 | title = About Us | publisher = Sri Lanka Navy | accessdate = 2007-10-07 }}</ref>


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==History==
===The Beginning and World War II===
In January 1938 the '''Ceylon Naval Volunteer Force (CNVF)''' was created with Commander W.G. Beauchamp as [[Commanding officer|Commanding Officer]] under ordinance No I of 1937. On 31 August 1939 at the out set of [[World War II]], the CNVF was mobilised for war duties. Three years later, the CNVF was offered to, and accepted by the [[Royal Navy]] (RN) as a [[Military reserve force|Volunteer Reserve]], the '''Ceylon Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (CRNVR)'''. It continued under Royal Navy operational and administrative command until March 1946. With the end of the war, it reverted to Ceylon Government control, though yet CRNVR in name. In the 1939–1946 period, the CRNVR carried out several operational duties, mainly at sea. Cutting its teeth on the Port Commission tugs Samson and Goliath, it later manned and operated trawlers and Antarctic whalers converted as [[minesweeper]]s and fitted out with guns, submarine detection equipment and anti-submarine weaponry. They were HMS Overdale Wyke (the first ship to be purchased by the Government of Ceylon), HMS Okapi, HMS Semla, HMS Sambhur, HMS Hoxa, HMS Balta and HM Tugs Barnet and C 405. In addition the CRNVR manned several Motor Fishing Vessels (MFV), [[Harbour Defence Motor Launch]] (HDML) and miscellaneous auxiliary vessels. All were manned exclusively by CRNVR personnel. These ships were meant to sweep and guard the approaches the harbours but were often used on extended missions outside Ceylon waters. In the course of these operations, the ships came under enemy fire, recovered essential information from [[Empire of Japan|Imperial Japanese]] aircraft that were shot down, sailed to Akyab (modern [[Sittwe]]) after the Burma front was opened in two FMVs for harbour duties, and were called upon to accept the surrender of the Italian [[sloop]] ''[[Eritrea (colonial ship)|Eritrea]]'' and escort her to the Colombo port with a prize crew on board.


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===Royal Ceylon Navy===
[[Image:Naval Ensign of the Royal Ceylon Navy.svg|right|thumb|250px|Naval Ensign of the Royal Ceylon Navy (1950–1972).]]
After independence from British rule in 1948 the government believed an [[island country]] should possess a strong navy to be its first line of defence. Therefore, on 9 December 1950 the Royal Ceylon Navy was created with Ceylon Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve forming the nucleus. The first warship was commissioned [[HMCyS Vijaya|HMCyS ''Vijaya'']], an [[Algerine-class minesweeper]], ex-HMS ''Flying Fish'' along with other [[patrol boat]]s and tugs. Later the fleet was expanded with, [[HMS Pickle (J293)|HMCyS ''Parakram'']], another Algerine-class minesweeper (ex-HMS ''Pickle''), two Canadian-built "River" class frigates [[HMCS Orkney (K448)|HMCyS ''Mahasena'']] (ex-HMCS ''Orkney'', ''Violetta'' and ex-Israeli ship ''Mivtach''), [[SLNS Gajabahu|HMCyS ''Gajabahu'']] (ex-HMCS ''Hallowell'', ex-Israeli ''Misnak'') and oceangoing tug (ex-HMS ''Adept''). During this time the navy took part in several joint naval exercises and a goodwill mission to the Far East. However, the expansion of the navy was dramatically halted when the [[Commander of the Navy (Sri Lanka)|captain of the navy]], who was relieved of command at the time, was implicated in the [[1962 Ceylonese coup d'état attempt]]. The navy suffered a great deal as result of the governments retribution that followed, with several of its ships sold off, reduced its size by stoppage of recruitment of officers cadets and sailors for over seven years, the loss of important bases and barracks and the stoppage of training in England. As a result, in 1971 the navy was poorly equipped and short of personal when the [[1971 JVP Insurrection]] broke out. SLN was not capable of putting ships to sea due to a lack of seagoing units and the navy being called to mount shore duty initially to defend ports and thereafter offensive combat operations against the insurgents. During the insurrection navy suffered its first combat casualties went on to man detention centres to rehabilitate surrendered insurgents after it was crushed in a few months. Sri Lanka, however, had to rely on the [[Indian Navy]] to established an exclusion zone around the island.


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===Navy of the Republic===
[[Image:Naval Ensign of Sri Lanka.svg|right|thumb|250px|Sri Lanka Navy Ensign.]]
In 1972 the "Dominion of Ceylon" became the "Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka" and the Royal Ceylon Navy became the '''Sri Lanka Navy'''. The [[ensign]], along with the Flag Officers' flags, were redesigned. The term "Captain of the Navy", introduced in the Navy Act, was changed to "Commander of the Navy", in keeping with the terminology adopted by the other two services. Finally, "Her Majesty's Ceylon Ships" (HMCyS) became "Sri Lankan Naval Ships" (SLNS).


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Based on its experiences in the late 1970s the navy began rebuilding its strength with the gift of [[Shershen-class torpedo boat]]s from the [[USSR]] and acquisition of [[Type 062-class gunboat]]s from [[China]] to carry out effective coastal patrolling and carried out several cruises to regional ports. New bases were established to counter smuggling operations in the coastal areas.


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===Civil war===
[[File:Sri Lanka Military 0059.jpg|right|thumb|250px|[[SLNS Samudura|SLNS ''Samudura'']], fast gun boats and troopship ''JetLiner'' in the Colombo harbor.]]
At the begin of the civil war in the 1980s the navy found itself poorly equipped to face the new threats the [[LTTE]] created. It found itself engaging in anti-smuggling operations to count LTTE gun running between India and Sri Lanka. As the larger gun boats proved ineffective against faster small boats used by the LTTE with outboard motors, the navy began deploying small boats with [[Pump-jet|waterjets]] and inshore patrol boats armed with machine guns to police its waters. The LTTE responded with mounting machine guns and attacking the navy boats. This began an [[Asymmetric warfare|asymmetric war]] at sea, taking place in the primarily in the coastal waters among small boats of the navy and the LTTE naval arm the [[Sea Tigers]]. The decades long conflict saw the escalations of the size, fire power and speed with new techniques developed by both sides such as the used sea tigers using sophisticated suicide crafts against naval vessels. The navy acquired in the late 1980s [[Israel]]i [[Dvora-class fast patrol boat]]s which it designated as Fast Attack Crafts (FAC). The FACs of the [[Fast Attack Flotilla]] became the work horse of the navy offensive and defensive operations. In the 1990s and 2000s [[Super Dvora Mk III-class patrol boat|Super Dvora class]] boats were added and a locally built [[Ultra Fast Attack Craft|Colombo class]] was introduced in larger numbers. These proved highly successful in limiting the LTTE's use of the seas.


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During the war the navy increased its fleet of larger vessels by introducing two locally built [[Jayasagara class patrol craft|Jayasagara class]] offshore patrol vessels. It did suffer the loss of several ships in the 1990s to sea tiger attacks by suicide crafts such as in the sinking of [[SLNS Sagarawardena|SLNS ''Sagarawardena'']] and [[SLNS Ranaviru|SLNS ''Ranaviru'']] and the use of suicide frogmen such as in the [[Bombing of SLNS Sooraya and SLNS Ranasuru|bombing of SLNS ''Sooraya'' and SLNS ''Ranasuru'']]. Due to the treat posed by the sea tigers the navy had to undertake [[Convoy|convoy duty]] to escort shipping to the Jaffna peninsula to which all land routes were controlled by the LTTE. In order keep supply lines open to Jaffna, the navy employed several auxiliary ships. It also deployed auxiliary ships to support FACs.


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In the early 80s a land combat force was created which at first limited itself to base defence and as its numbers increased took part in offensive operations against the [[LTTE]] along with the Sri Lankan Army. An elite naval special forces unit called the [[Special Boat Squadron (Sri Lanka)|Special Boat Squadron]] was created in the late 1980s based on the British [[Special Boat Service]].

In order to support ground operations of the army landing ships and boats were acquired. In early 1990s the SLN carried out injunction with the army its first [[Amphibious warfare|amphibious operation]] code named ''[[Operation Sea Breeze (Sri Lanka)|Operation Sea Breeze]]'' followed by the lager ''[[Operation Balavegaya]]'' a year later and on the seas it began an aggressive clamp down on LTTE actives including gunrunning. In 1992, [[Admiral]] [[Clancy Fernando|W.W.E. Clancy Fernando]], the commander of the navy was assassinated by a [[suicide bomber|suicide bomb attack]] by the LTTE.

The mid 1990s saw an slow expansion of larger fleet units with newer Type 062-class gun boats and a [[Type 037 corvette#Type 037I Haiqing-class submarine chaser|Haiqing class]] [[submarine chaser]] being added to the fleet to intercept arms shipments destine for the tigers within Sri Lankan tensorial waters. In 2000 the Navy started a [[Fleet Air Arm|fleet air arm]] (FAA) by acquiring a HAL Chetak from India to expand its surveillance capability by operating from newly acquired [[Offshore patrol vessel|Offshore Patrol Vessels]]. During the same time [[conventional warfare]] capability was increased by the addition of [[Sa'ar 4-class missile boat]]s.

Following the resumptions of hostilities between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE since early 2006, the navy took up an active role in limiting the LTTE's use of the seas. This resulted in several major sea battles curring the course of 2006, 2007 and 2009. Most significant of the events during this time were the interception and sinking of several large cargo ships that were bringing [[Gunrunning|illegal arms shipments]] to the LTTE in the [[Indian Ocean]] in international waters. These naval operations have proven the [[Blue-water navy|blue water]] capability of the Sri Lankan Navy.

During the war the navy, along with the army developed its own weapons development programmes to produce and maintain weapon systems suited for indigenous requirements in collaboration with [[Colombo Dockyard]] which included the [[Jayasagara class patrol craft|Jayasagara class]], [[Ultra Fast Attack Craft|Colombo class]] and the [[Ranavijaya-class landing craft|Ranavijaya class]]; while the navy designed and developed the [[Arrow-class patrol boat|Arrow class]].

===Post war===
[[File:Sri Lanka SLNS Suranimala (P702) at Milan 2018.jpg|right|thumb|250px|SLNS ''Suranimala'' taking part in [[Milan (naval exercise)|Milan 2018]].]]
With the end of the civil war, the navy has begun reorienting itself for the future defence of the island. This has led to force redeployment, training exercises and transfer of certain duties to the newly formed [[Sri Lanka Coast Guard]]. In the post war years the navy has expanded it maritime operations to fisheries control and counter human trafficking. Operations to counter illegal poaching by Tamil Nadu fishermen have led to allegations that personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy have attacked more than twelve fishermen, two of whom have died, in a series of disputes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/killing-of-indian-fishermen-unacceptable-says-pranab-81066 |title=Killing of Indian fishermen unacceptable, says Pranab |work=NDTV.com |accessdate=2013-03-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article1509489.ece?pageNumber=1&parentId=52635&operation=complaint |title=12 fishermen attacked by Sri Lankan navy |work=The New Indian Express |accessdate=2013-03-21}}</ref> Australia transferred two [[Bay-class patrol boat]]s to the Sri Lanka Navy, following its Prime Minister's visit to the island for the [[Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting]] in November 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-17/abbott-confirms-sri-lanka-boats-deal/5097580|title=Tony Abbott confirms Bay-class patrol boats gift to Sri Lanka to combat people smuggling|work=ABC News|accessdate=2014-12-24}}</ref> The first of these vessels was delivered in April 2014.

In 2017, SLNS ''Sayurala'' took part in Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) International Fleet Review 2017 in [[Thailand]]. This is the longest foreign tour (21 days) an SLN Ship undertook after the year 1965 with 127 sailors including 18 officers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2017/11/28/201711282230/|title=SLNS Sayurala returns home after successful tour in Thailand|publisher=navy.lk|accessdate=2017-11-30}}</ref> This followed in 2018 by SLNS ''Sagara'' which sailed to [[Indonesia]] to attend the Multilateral Naval Exercise “Komodo” and “International Fleet Review” (IFR) 2018,<ref name="navy">{{cite web|url=http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2018/04/24/201804241800/|website=news.navy.lk|title=SLNS Sagara leaves for Indonesia to attend "Exercise Komodo -2018"|accessdate=2018-08-16}}</ref> while SLNS ''Samudura'' and SLNS ''Suranimala'' sailed to India to take part in [[Milan (naval exercise)|Milan]].<ref name="defence">{{cite web|url=http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Navy_ships_leave_for_MILAN_2018_20180303_01|title=Navy ships leave for MILAN- 2018|website=defence.lk|accessdate=2018-08-16}}</ref> The navy participated in [[Exercise RIMPAC]] for the first time in 2018, sending a contingent of marines to the international maritime exercise.<ref name="navy2">{{cite web|url=http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2018/06/04/201806041610/|website=news.navy.lk|title=A team of SLN Marines joins Exercise RIMPAC – 2018|accessdate=2018-08-16}}</ref>

The navy commissioned in April and August 2018 two 105m long vessels of the [[Saryu-class patrol vessel|Saryu-class]] equivalent to [[corvette]]s, which it termed as ''Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels''. Built by [[Goa Shipyard]] on order to the Sri Lanka navy, these were the largest ships built for the Sri Lanka Navy.<ref name="ft.lk">{{cite web |url=http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/22/india-to-supply-two-warships-to-sri-lanka |title=India to supply two warships to Sri Lanka |work=ft.lk }}</ref>

===Major combat operations===
Apart from continued deployments at sea the navy has played a significant role in supporting all major operations carried out by the [[Sri Lanka Army|Army]] including several amphibious operations.
{| border="0"
| valign="top" |

* [[1971 JVP Insurrection (Sri Lanka)|1971 JVP Insurrection]] (1971–1972)
* [[Eelam War I]] (1976–1987)
** [[Vadamarachchi Operation]]
* [[1987-89 JVP Insurrection (Sri Lanka)|JVP Uprising]] (1987–1990)
* [[Eelam War II]] (1990–1995)
** [[Operation Sea Breeze (Sri Lanka)]]
** [[Operation Thrividha Balaya]]
** [[Operation Balavegaya]] I, II
| valign="top" |

* [[Eelam War III]] (1995–2002)
** [[Operation Riviresa]]
** [[Operation Thrivida Pahara]]
** [[Operation Jayasikurui]]
** [[Operation Kinihira]] I, II, III/IV, V/VI, VII, VIII, IX
| valign="top" |
* [[Eelam War IV]] (2006–2009)
**[[Eastern Theater of Eelam War IV|Eastern Theater]]
**[[Northern Theater of Eelam War IV|Northern Theater]]
**[[Sri Lanka Navy anti arms smuggling operations|Anti arms smuggling operation]]s
|}

==Organisation==
===Naval Headquarters===
The professional head of the navy is the [[Commander of the Navy(Sri Lanka)|Commander of the Navy]] (C of N), at present [[Vice Admiral]] [[Sirimevan Ranasinghe]] and reports directly to the Minister of Defence. The Commander of the Navy exercises operational and administrative control of the Navy from naval headquarters in ''[[SLNS Parakrama]]'', [[Colombo]]. He is assisted by the [[Chief of Staff]] (C of S), who along with Directors General and Directors comprise the ''Board of Management'' (BOM) and ''Board of Directors'' (BOD) of the Sri Lanka Navy.

===Commands===
[[Image:Sri Lanka Naval Areas of Operations.svg|thumb|150px|The Naval Areas of Operations. Note that the Southern and Eastern areas overlap (stripes).]]
The Navy has seven [[Command (military formation)|commands]] known as Naval Area Commands, each under the control of a [[flag officer]] for effective command and administrative control. This is in order to efficiently maintain all ships, crafts and vehicles; and to ensure the operational readiness of commands and units each area shall have its own harbour/ base, repair and refitting facilities, signal centres, logistic, civil engineering and medical facilities.

'''Seven Naval Area Commands''' (see image to the right)
*Northern Naval Area (NNA)
*North Central Naval Area (NCNA)
*North Western Naval Area (NWNA)
*Western Naval Area (WNA)
*Southern Naval Area (SNA)
*Eastern Naval Area (ENA)
*South Eastern Naval Area (SENA)

===Units===
* 3rd Fast Gun Boats Squadron (3 FGS)
* [[Fast Attack Flotilla|4th Fast Attack Flotilla]] (4 FAF)
* 7th Surveillance Command Squadron
* [[Special Boat Squadron (Sri Lanka)|Special Boat Squadron]]
* [[Rapid Action Boat Squadron]]

===Branches===
Sri Lanka Navy consists following branches to which personal are attached to;

*Executive Branch
**[[Navigation]] and Direction
**[[Communications]]
**[[Naval artillery|Gunnery]]
**[[Missiles]]
**Anti-Submarine Warfare ([[Anti-submarine warfare|ASW]])
**[[Underwater diving|Diving]]
**Hydrography
*Engineering Branch
*[[Medical]] Branch
*[[Logistics]] Branch
*[[Electrical]] & [[Electronics]] Engineering Branch
*[[Naval Patrolmen|Naval Patrolman Branch]]
*Information Technology Branch
*Musical Branch
*Legal Branch
*[[Sri Lanka Navy#Provost Branch|Provost Branch]]

==Current deployments==
As of present, most of the Sri Lankan Navy is deployed for domestic defence with the end of combat operations, while foreign deployments are carried out from time to time.

===Domestic===
Due to the [[Sri Lankan Civil War]] the navy has been on a constant mobilized (including [[reservist]]) state since the 1980s (except for a brief period from 2002 to 2005). The majority of the naval units both at sea and ground-based are deployed in the North and Eastern provinces of the country, as well as in other parts of the country. The security of all major ports of the country is the responsibility of the navy, due to terrorist activity.

===Foreign===
*[[Haiti]] - Since 2004 navy personal have been attached to the Sri Lankan contingent of the [[United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti]].<ref name="un">{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/depts/dpko/missions/minustah/facts.html|website=un.org|title=Haiti - MINUSTAH - Facts and Figures|accessdate=2018-08-16}}</ref>
*[[Indian Ocean]] - In 2007 and 2008 the navy carried out anti-arms smuggling operations in international waters in the [[Indian Ocean]], sinking 6 rogue merchant ships smuggling arms for the LTTE.

==Training==
[[File:160413-N-ON977-092 (26495313456).jpg|thumb|left|Sri Lankan Navy divers and their US counterparts during a joint diving exercise in the [[Apra Harbor]] off the coast of Guam]]
'''[[General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University]]''' (KDU) formed in 1981 and situated in Ratmalana, fourteen kilometers south of [[Colombo]], is Sri Lanka's only university specialising in defence studies. Apart from postgraduate defence studies each year, approximately fifty cadets from all three services are admitted to the university (aged 18–22) to participate in a three-year programme of under graduate studies.<ref>[http://www.kda.lk/files/cadets%20training%20wing/cadets%20life.htm training] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213092306/http://www.kda.lk/files/cadets%20training%20wing/cadets%20life.htm |date=2007-12-13 }}</ref>

[[Military rank#Field or senior officers|Senior officer]]s of the ranks of [[Lieutenant Commander]] and [[Commander]] are given advanced training and education at the '''[[Defence Services Command and Staff College]]''' (DSCSC) at Batalanda, Makola which was established in 1997 as the Army Command and Staff College. In addition KDU conducts Masters Of Science (Defence Studies) degree for the senior officers of Sri Lanka Navy.

Basic officer training is carried out at the '''[[Naval & Maritime Academy]]''' at the SLN Dockyard in [[Trincomalee]] and short/specialised officer training is conducted at the SLNS Gemunu, Welisara. This training includes theoretical aspects covered at the training institute followed by a practical exposure on board the Sri Lanka Navy fleet at sea.

Basic training for new recruits (approximately six months) are conducted at '''Advanced Naval Training Centre''', SLNS 'Nipuna'; '''Naval Artificer Training Institute''', SLNS 'Thakshila', Welisara; and at Naval Recruit Training Centres at several shore establishments. This basic training will be followed by ''on-the-job'' training on-board fleet units and at shore establishments. Combat Training School at SLNS 'Pandukabaya' conducts combat training for [[Sri Lanka Navy#Naval Patrolmen|Naval Patrolmen]].

Additional training is carried out in [[UK]], [[India]], [[Pakistan]], [[Australia]].

;Main training establishments,
*[[Naval & Maritime Academy]] - SLN Dockyard
*Advanced Naval Training Centre - SLNS ''Nipuna''
*Naval Artificer Training Institute - SLNS ''Thakshila''
*Naval Recruit Training Centre - SLNS ''Shiksha''
*Naval Recruit Training Centre/Combat Training School - SLNS ''Pandukabaya''

==Current Fleet==
{{Main|Current Sri Lanka Navy ships}}
The Sri Lankan [[Naval fleet]] consists of above fifty combat, support ships and inshore patrol craft, with most originating from China, India, Israel and Sri Lanka.<ref name="SLN op">{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=46|title=The official website of Sri Lanka Navy|publisher=|accessdate=2014-12-24}}</ref>

===Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels===
[[File:SLNS Sayurala(P623).jpg|thumb|[[SLNS Sayurala (2016)|SLNS Sayurala (P623)]] on the 70th independence day celebration Navy display]]
The navy ordered and received two ''Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels'' equivalent to a traditional [[corvette]]. The [[Saryu-class patrol vessel|Saryu Class]] was built at the Indian shipbuilding facility, [[Goa Shipyard|Goa Shipyard Limited]]. The first ship [[SLNS Sayurala (2016)|SLNS Sayurala]] was commissioned on 2 August 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=President_commissions_Navys_new_ship_20170802_03|title=President commissions Navy's new ship}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=H.E. the President commissions new AOPV of SL Navy on ceremonial note|url=http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2017/08/02/201708021815}}</ref> The second ship of this class, [[SLNS Sindurala|Sindurala]], joined the fleet in April 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=R_docking_of_Navys_second_Advanced_Offshore_Patrol_Vessel_20161218_01|title=Re-docking of Navy's second Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Prime Minister commissions 2nd AOPV of Sri Lanka Navy|url=http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2018/04/20/201804200830/|accessdate=2018-04-25}}</ref>

===Offshore Patrol Vessels===
[[File:Sri Lanka Military 0058.jpg|thumb|[[SLNS Sayura|SLNS ''Sayura'']] (P620)]]
[[File:Sri Lanka Military 0057.jpg|thumb|[[SLNS Sagara|SLNS ''Sagara'']] (P 622)]]

Four Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) are in service with the SLN; [[SLNS Sayura|SLNS ''Sayura'']], [[SLNS Samudura|SLNS ''Samudura'']], [[SLNS Sagara|SLNS ''Sagara'']] and the locally built [[SLNS Jayasagara|SLNS ''Jayasagara'']]. These ships are deployed in the high seas to carry out surveillance and interception of illegal arms smuggling and to monitor naval activity within the [[EEZ]]. In 2017 the US Coast Guard offered another cutter to the SLN<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/US-offers-Coast-Guard-Cutter-to-SL-navy-139949.html|title=US offers Coast Guard Cutter to SL navy|access-date=2017-11-07|language=en}}</ref>

===Fast Missile Vessels===
The Fast Missile Vessels (FMV) were added to the SLN in 2001 when two [[Israel]]i [[Saar 4 class missile boat|''Saar 4'' class]] [[missile boat]]s were acquired. These vessels, which are referred to as the ''[[Ten Giant Warriors#Nandimithra|Nandimithra]]'' class and are equipped with [[Gabriel missile|Gabriel II]] [[anti-ship missiles]], increased the SLN's conventional warfare capability and provide a multi-role platform for different operations undertaken by the navy.<ref name="strategypage">{{cite web|url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htworld/articles/20060409.aspx|website=strategypage.com|title=Forces: Sri Lanka's Big Fleet of Little Boats|accessdate=2018-08-16}}</ref>

===Fast Gun Boats===
Fast Gun Boats (FGB) carry out a multi-role missions from coastal patrols to shore bombardment in support of amphibious operations. FGBs consist of ships from the Chinese ''Lushun'' class, [[Type 062-I class gunboat|''Haizhui'' class]] and [[Type 062 class gunboat|''Shanghai II'' class]].<ref name="hazegray">{{cite web|url=http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/|website=hazegray.org|title=Haze Gray & Underway: World Navies Today |accessdate=2018-08-16}}</ref><ref>[http://www.ipcs.org/Military_militaryBalance2.jsp?database=1002&country2=Sri%20Lanka SRI LANKA, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061002155351/http://www.ipcs.org/Military_militaryBalance2.jsp?database=1002&country2=Sri+Lanka |date=2006-10-02 }}</ref>

===Patrol Boats===
[[Bay-class patrol boat]]s are the latest type of craft to be added to the fleet. They were given to Sri Lanka by the Australian government in 2013, to help the Sri Lanka Navy's efforts to reduce smuggling and other illegal trafficking. The first of these was delivered in April 2014. They were commissioned in July 2014 as SLNS Rathnadeepa and SLNS Mihikatha.

===Fast Attack Craft===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:UFAC II.jpg|thumb|Sri Lanka Navy Colombo Class UFAC II]] -->[[File:SLN fast attack Craft..jpg|thumb|SLN fast attack craft on the 70th independence day celebration Navy display.]]
Fast Attack Craft (FAC) have proven to be the workhorse of the SLN in combating asymmetric warfare of the Sea Tigers of the [[LTTE]] in the coastal waters of Northern and Eastern parts of the island during the civil war. Attached to the [[Fast Attack Flotilla|4th Fast Attack Flotilla]] these boats are about 25 meters in length, around 50 tons displacement, able to reach speeds of 45 knots and armed with rapid fire weapons. They were primarily deployed in offensive operations for the ''denial of sea'', they were also used for defensive operations to prevent Sea Tiger [[Suicide attack|suicide craft]] from attacking both naval and civilian ships by operating as escorts. There are several classes of FACs in SL Navy.
*[[Super Dvora Mk III]]
*[[Super Dvora Mk II]]
*[[Dvora class fast patrol boat|Dvora - Mk I]]
*[[Shaldag class fast patrol boat|Shaldag class]]
*[[Ultra Fast Attack Craft|Colombo class]]

===Inshore Patrol Craft===
Inshore Patrol Craft are small vessels (14 meters long) which are capable of operating inshore as well as for beaching. They are capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots and are used for [[small boat operations]], harbour defence and amphibious operations.<ref name="SLN op"/>

===Littoral Attack Craft===
Littoral Warfare Craft are small (7 meters long) and highly manoeuvrable ''[[Arrow boat|Arrow]]'' class attack speedboats. They also have a high degree of firepower for vessels their size. Introduced in 2006, these boats are manufactured by the SLN's own boatyard and used by the elite [[Special Boat Squadron (Sri Lanka)|Special Boat Squadron]] (SBS) and the [[Rapid Action Boat Squadron]] (RABS) for [[small boat operations]].

===Amphibious Warfare Vessels===
[[File:Sri Lanka Military 0056.jpg|thumb|SLNS ''Shathi'' (L 880)]]
The SLN has several vessels to support amphibious operations it carries out. These include [[Type 074 landing ship medium|''Yuhai'' class]] [[Tank landing ship]] SLNS ''Shathi''; [[29 M Landing Craft|29 M]] [[Landing Craft Utility|utility landing craft]]s (Locally built); [[Type 067 landing craft utility|''Yunnan'' class]] [[Landing Craft Mechanized|mechanized landing craft]]s and an [[ABS Hovercraft|ABS M-10]] [[Air-cushioned landing craft|Utility craft air cushion]].<ref name="hazegray"/>

===Auxiliary Vessels===
The Navy also has several [[Auxiliary ship|auxiliary vessel]]s such as [[Troopship|fast personal carriers]] and [[replenishment ship]]s. Fast personnel carriers are [[catamaran]]s which were used for both troop and civilian transport, running the gauntlet of LTTE suicide craft. SLNs fleet of non-commissioned underway replenishment ships have been used recently for [[Underway replenishment|replenishment at sea]] in [[international waters]].

===Main Equipment===
* [[Gabriel missile|Gabriel]] - [[anti-ship missiles|Anti-ship missile]]
* [[Oto Melara 76 mm]] [[naval artillery]]
* [[Typhoon Weapon System|Typhoon]] - Naval Optronic Stabilized Weapon Platforms
* [[M242 Bushmaster]] - [[25 mm caliber|25&nbsp;mm]] (25x137mm) [[chain gun|chain-fed]] [[autocannon]]

==Future of Sri Lanka Navy==
The Sri Lanka Navy set a medium-term fleet expansion goal targeting ten new vessels in its 'Sri Lanka Navy 2025' plan as part of its expansion of [[blue water]] operations.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Navy to acquire ten new vessels by 2025|url = http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=139283|website = island.lk|accessdate = 2017-03-12|language = en}}</ref>

The navy engaged Russia's [[Zelenodolsk Gorky Plant]] in talks in early 2017 to acquire a [[Gepard-class frigate|Gepard-class 5.1 frigate]].<ref name="Cheetah 5.1 for Sri Lanka">{{Cite web|title = Cheetah 5.1 for Sri Lanka|url = http://seawaves.com/2017/02/21/4135/|website = http://seawaves.com|accessdate = 2017-03-12|language = en}}</ref> In October 2017, the [[Government of Sri Lanka]] approved the purchase of a single Gepard for [[Sri Lankan Rupee|Rs.]] 24&nbsp;billion on a line of credit worth Rs. 20&nbsp;billion provided by the Russian government.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Cabinet approves purchase of Rs.24 billion Russian frigate on credit line|url =http://www.sundaytimes.lk/171001/columns/cabinet-approves-purchase-of-rs-24-billion-russian-frigate-on-credit-line-261994.html|website = sundaytimes.lk|accessdate = 2017-10-16|language = en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Cabinet approves purchase of Rs.24 billion Russian frigate on credit line|url = http://www.sundaytimes.lk/171001/columns/cabinet-approves-purchase-of-rs-24-billion-russian-frigate-on-credit-line-261994.html|website = sundaytimes.lk|accessdate = 2017-10-16|language = en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title =Zelenodolsk Gepard is ready to ''pounce'' on Sri Lanka|url =https://realnoevremya.com/articles/1205-zelenodolsk-plant-will-build-the-ship-for-sri-lanka|website = realnoevremya.com|accessdate = 2017-10-16|language = en}}</ref> However, in June 2018, it has been reported that the purchase of the vessel is not going ahead and the line of credit is expected to be utilized by the [[Sri Lanka Air Force]] to purchase helicopters.<ref name="sundaytimes">{{cite web|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/180610/columns/questions-over-slafs-aircraft-purchase-deals-running-into-a-staggering-rs-64-8-billion-297576.html|title=Questions over SLAF’s aircraft purchase deals running into a staggering Rs. 64.8 billion &#124; The Sunday Times Sri Lanka|website=sundaytimes.lk|accessdate=2018-08-16}}</ref>

In July 2018, China promised to gift Sri Lanka a frigate. It was confirmed in September 2018 by the Chinese embassy in Colombo that the former [[People's Liberation Army Navy|PLAN]] [[Type 053H2G frigate]] ''Tongling'' would be transferred to the Sri Lanka Navy in early 2019. It is currently undergoing a refit, it will be armed with [[Type 79 100 mm naval gun|dual Type 79 100 mm naval gun]]s and two Type 76A dual-37 mm anti-aircraft guns to function as a patrol frigate.<ref>[https://www.janes.com/article/81995/china-to-gift-frigate-to-sri-lanka-to-bolster-bilateral-defence-ties China to gift frigate to Sri Lanka to bolster bilateral defence ties]</ref><ref>[http://www.sundaytimes.lk/180916/news/china-to-gift-a-plan-missile-frigate-311810.html China to gift a PLAN missile frigate]</ref>

In August 2018, the navy took over a [[Hamilton-class cutter|Hamilton-class]] high endurance cutter which was transferred to the Navy from United States. Once commissioned in 2019, it would be the largest combat vessel in the Sri Lankan navy at 3250 tonnes and second former United States cutter in its service.<ref name="Secretary Class High Endurance cutter offer to Sri Lanka">{{Cite web|title = Secretary Class High Endurance cutter offer to Sri Lanka|url = http://www.colombopage.com/archive_17B/Nov07_1510029283CH.php|website = http://www.colombopage.com|accessdate = 2017-11-21|language = en}}</ref>

==Special Forces==
{{Main|Special Boat Squadron (Sri Lanka)}}
The navy has its own elite [[special forces]] unit, the [[Special Boat Squadron (Sri Lanka)|Special Boat Squadron]]. Established in the 1980s SBS was modeled after the [[Special Boat Service]] of the [[Royal Navy]].
It has roles in naval special operations such as amphibious raids, Maritime Counter-Terrorism, Reconnaissance and target indication, combat swimmer missions and small boat operations. As a Special Forces unit, its role is not limited to water-borne operations. It also conducts operations on land, either with ground combat units of the Navy and the Army, or separately.

==Naval Patrolmen==
[[File:Sri Lanka Military 0197.jpg|thumb|Sri Lanka Navy [[Unibuffel|Unibuffel APC]] MRAP]]
{{Main|Naval Patrolmen}}
A branch formed recently to augment the land combat capabilities of SLN. Effectively members of this branch are [[soldiers]] of the navy performing the role of [[naval infantry]]. Originally limited to base and harbour security, in recent years Naval Patrolmen have taken part in offensive and defensive operations against the [[LTTE]] in conjunction with the army or independently, as both [[infantry]] and [[Buffel|light armored]] units.

==Provost Branch==
The Naval Provost branch of the Sri Lanka Navy is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining discipline and enforcement of law and order among the Naval personnel by way of prevention of crimes, detection of crimes, apprehension of offenders, conducting preliminary investigations for necessary disciplinary action and providing assistance to all naval authorities on all disciplinary and other connected matters.

== Marine battalion ==
[[File:Sri Lankan Marines Assault Beach at Sri Lankan Naval Satation in Mullikulum, Sri Lanka, Feb. 27, 2017.jpg|thumb|Sri Lankan Marines in an amphibious capabilities demonstration during the Sri Lanka Marine Corps Boot Camp graduation at Sri Lankan Naval Station Barana in Mullikulum, Sri Lanka, Feb. 27, 2017.|240x240px]]
In 2016, the Sri Lanka Navy formed its first [[battalion]] of [[Marines]] specializing in [[amphibious warfare]]. The unit started training under the assistance of the [[11th Marine Expeditionary Unit]] of the [[United States Marine Corps]] in November 2016 and received further training from the [[Commando Regiment (Sri Lanka)|Commando Regiment]] of [[Sri Lanka Army]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/US-Marines-train-recently-formed-SLN-Marine-Corps-119584.html|title=US Marines train recently formed SLN Marine Corps|access-date=2016-11-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka Navy and US Marine Corps personnel engage in a series of training exercises|url=http://www.navy.lk/eventnews/2016/11/24/201611241610/|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128050147/http://www.navy.lk/eventnews/2016/11/24/201611241610|archivedate=2016-11-28|df=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2017/02/27/201702271550/|title=First ever Marines of Sri Lanka Navy pass out in Mullikulam|access-date=2017-02-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://marine.navy.lk/index.php?id=29|title=Marine Navy - Sri Lanka|website=marine.navy.lk|access-date=2018-06-06}}</ref>

The first group consisting of 164 Marines including 6 officers and 158 sailors passed out on the 27th of February, 2017 in Naval Base SLNS Barana in Mullikulam in a ceremony attended by the President [[Maithripala Sirisena]], Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral [[Ravindra Wijegunaratne]] alongside the tri-force Commanders and senior officers. In July 29, 2017 Vice Admiral Wijegunarathna declared open the new Marine Headquarters, [[SLNS Vidura]] in [[Sampoor]], [[Trincomalee District|Trincomalee]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2017/02/27/201702271550/|title=The official website of Sri Lanka Navy|website=news.navy.lk|access-date=2017-03-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://marine.navy.lk/index.php?id=42|title=Marine Navy - Sri Lanka|website=marine.navy.lk|access-date=2018-06-06}}</ref>

==Personnel==
=== Parama Weera Vibhushanaya recipients ===
The [[Parama Weera Vibhushanaya]] is the highest award for valour awarded in the Sri Lankan armed forces. Navy recipients include;
* [[Lieutenant-Commander]] [[Jude Lakmal Wijethunge]]{{KIA}}
* [[Chief Petty Officer]] [[K. G. Shantha]]{{KIA}}

===Notable fallen members===
Over 23,790 Sri Lankan armed forces personnel were killed since begin of the civil war in 1981 to its end in 2009, this includes 2 [[admiral]]s killed in active duty or assassinated.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/victorys-price-6200-sri-lankan-troops-20090522-bi4f.html |title=Victory's price: 6,200 Sri Lankan troops |publisher=News.smh.com.au |date=22 May 2009 |accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> 659 service personnel were killed due to the second JVP insurrection from 1987 to 1990. 53 service personnel were killed and 323 were wounded in the first JVP insurrection from 1971 to 1972.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sundaytimes.lk/010408/spec.html|title=The Sunday Times - Special Assignment|publisher=|accessdate=2014-12-24}}</ref> Notable fallen members includes;

* [[Admiral]] [[Clancy Fernando|W.W.E. Clancy Fernando]] {{KIA}} - Commander of the Navy
* [[Rear Admiral]] [[Mohan Jayamaha]] {{KIA}} - Commander Northern Naval Area<ref name='Spice'>[http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/01/20/spice01.asp Heroes who made the supreme sacrifice] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930023555/http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/01/20/spice01.asp |date=2007-09-30 }}</ref>

===Women in the Sri Lanka Navy===
Today women are recruited to both the regular and [[Sri Lanka Volunteer Naval Force|volunteer]] forces. Although at first limited to the medical branch currently both female officers and rates are able to join any branch of service including the executive branch as well. In 2007 the navy appointed its first-ever female [[Commodore (rank)|Commodore]], Surgeon Commodore Indranee Y. Amarasinghe.<ref name='fe-como'>''Surgeon Commodore Indranee Y. Amarasinghe'' [http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=325 Sri Lanka Navy]</ref>

==See also==
*[[Military of Sri Lanka]]
*[[Commander of the Navy(Sri Lanka)|Commander of the Navy]]
*[[Military ranks and insignia of the Sri Lanka Navy]]
*[[Fast Attack Flotilla]]
*[[Special Boat Squadron (Sri Lanka)|Special Boat Squadron]]
*[[Rapid Action Boat Squadron]]
*[[Naval and Maritime Academy]]
*[[Hoods Tower Museum]]
*[[Sri Lankan Civil War]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links and Additional References==
*[http://www.defence.lk/ Ministry of Defence Sri Lanka]
*[http://www.navy.lk Sri Lanka Navy]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070501105954/http://www.kda.lk/ General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy]
*[http://www.divaina.com/2009/12/11/feature.html Article from Divaina]

{{Military of Sri Lanka}}
{{Sri Lankan security forces}}
{{Sri Lankan Civil War}}
{{Asia topic|Navy of|title=Navies of Asia}}

[[Category:Defence agencies of Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Military of Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Sri Lanka Navy|*]]

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