Professional approach to wipe out terrorism

Sri Lanka Navy in the recent past had played vital role during the Humanitarian Operations carried out to wipe out the LTTE menace which was plaguing the nation for nearly three decades and restore normalcy in the country. Operating on both sea and land the Navy had successfully sealed off the movement of supplying arms and cadres through sea lines of communication. It also restricted enemy movement in the coastal shores through close and constant vigil and patrol by its vessels and craft. The success in breaking down the logistics network of the LTTE by destroying the floating warehouses in the local and International seas was an explicit turning point of the downfall of the LTTE.

During the post war, the Navy is entrusted with a same if not more responsibilities in conducting prompt and sustainable combat operations at sea in accordance with the national policies as follows:

Continuous surveillance and naval operations

A continues surveillance is carried out in the sea area belonging to the country by Navy utilizing a modern network of radars and electronic sensors as well as by deploying Naval vessels round the clock. It facilitates the naval operations to prevent re-emergence of terrorist activities, sea piracy, smuggling of goods, arms and drug/ human trafficking.

The whole surveillance network has been linked with the naval headquarters where the top brass of the Navy can analyze the total maritime picture at any time in order to make decisions in appropriate way.

Protection of Maritime Resources and Fishing Industry

The territorial sea is extended up to 12 Nautical Miles from the coast and the total area of the territorial sea is one third of the land mass. The exclusive Economic Zone is extended up 200 Nautical miles and natural resources within that area belongs to the country. The total area of the Exclusive Economic Zone is seven times of the land mass. Therefore, Navy plays a vital role in carrying out naval operations in order to protect the natural resources, fishing industry and also to prevent poaching/ illegal fishing. Besides, the Navy assists the Government in the exploration of maritime resources and energy within the Exclusive Economic Zone and to prevent the marine pollution.

Protection of sea lines of Communications (SLOCS)

The geographical location of the island is strategically very much important since the shipping lines joining East and the West runs close to the southern coast and within the sea area which belongs to the country.

Hence, the Sri Lankan Navy carryout naval operations for the protection and security of the sea lines of communication as well as for the protection and security of the thousands of merchant vessels sailing up and down through this area.

Search and Rescue Operations

As per the agreements with the International Maritime Organization and International Hydrographic Organization, littoral countries have been allocated with sea areas of responsibility for search and rescue operations. The search and rescue region allocated to Sri Lanka extends up to a vast sea area and is about twenty seven times of the land mass. Hence, Sri Lanka Navy carryout search and rescue operations and assist any vessel / personnel in distress within that region. In the recent past sailors engaged in such situations.

Assisting the Government in development activities

Sri Lanka Navy contributes to the development activities of the country in a considerable scale. The civil administration of the North is carried out with the assistance of the Navy. Around 10,000 IDPs were resettled in the North by the Navy in liaison with government agents under the Government's resettlement program. Transit centres for the IDPs with domestic facilities have been established by the Navy in the North and the registrations and resettlement process is carried out with the assistance of the Navy. Medical clinics and other welfare activities for the IDPs also facilitated by the Navy.

The Navy plays a vital role in recommencing and developing of the fishing industry in the Northern peninsula. Fishing marshalling points have been established by the Navy and fishermen are allowed to indulge in their traditional ways of livelihood 24 hours of the day without any interruptions. Sri Lanka Navy maintains a close relationship with the fishing community and also assists and coordinates fishing activities which contribute immensely to the development of the country.

After taking over the Northwestern 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.

The roads Silavathura to Mullikulam (27km), Silavathura to Arippu (07km), Silavathura to Murukkan (11km), 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. The required machinery and equipment are being provided by the "Maganeguma" project and the Navy carries out the construction work using its technical expertise and the human resources.

The Navy also undertakes research and development projects to cater the National requirements. Construction of naval vessels by the Navy using its local engineering facilities have saved the nation's billions of rupees worth foreign exchange, which in turn were diverted for nation building activities.

Naval Diplomacy and Strengthening of international relations

Naval ships make overseas visits and carryout combined exercises and operations in order to exchange knowledge and expertise. This helps to prevent illegal international Maritime activities.

Interaction of the Navy with the other countries/Navies is known as Naval Diplomacy, throughout that the Navy assists the government to strengthen the international relations.

Providing professionals for the development of the country

Sri Lanka Navy in necessarily a technical related force. Navy pays much attention in providing its cadre with a top class training paying much emphasis on professionalism. In addition to local training many Naval personnel receive overseas training annually. The expensive investment makes on its people had paid rich dividends as proved in many of Sri Lanka Navy's achievements in the past.

The expertise of the Naval servicemen who retire after serving the nation for the full 22 years are much sought after by both public and private sector. This is a clear example of the recognition and respect which the outside world has of the Navy and its training programs. Rightly, the 'Varsity of the Ocean' sails full steam ahead

Providing assistance during natural calamities and disasters

The vast knowledge, experience and expertise gained through the years of facing successfully to one of the most ruthless terrorist outfits in the world had moulded the Navy men and women into professional who could face up to and render assistance at a time of natural calamity or disaster of any magnitude. Even during the height of terrorist activity the Navy was there to lend a helping hand to the affected and displaced. Years of service out at sea, come rain or wind and on land under trying circumstances have given the naval person an edge over others when dealing with times of great national need. They are ever ready to jump on their feet to answer any call which requires their professional service. The Navy known as 'Silence Forces'.

- R.J.