71st National Day celebrations held with remarkable aplomb in Colombo
 

Sri Lanka Navy played a key role in the 71st National Day celebrations held at the Galle Face Green, Colombo this morning (04th February) on a higher note. This prestigious event was graced by the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, as the Chief Guest. Meanwhile, the Maldivian President, H.E. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also arrived in Sri Lanka to join the country's National Day celebrations.

Religious dignitaries including Ven. Maha Sangha, Hon. Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, former president Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Speaker of the Parliament, Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya, Chief Justice, Nalin Perera, Minister of Internal & Home Affairs and Provincial Councils & Local Government, Hon. Vajira Abeywardena, Governor of the Western Province Hon. M. Asad M. Sali, Chief Minister of the Western Province, Hon. Isura Devapriya, Secretary to the President, Mr. Udaya Ranjith Seneviratne, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Saman Ekanayake, Defence Secretary, Mr. Hemasiri Fernando, Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal, Kapila Jayampathy, Inspector General of Police, Pujith Jayasundara, Ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials and a large crowd of onlookers were also present on this occasion to catch the glimpse of the celebrations.

The proceedings of the 71st National Day celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by His Excellency the President on an auspicious note, amidst the beating of ‘Magul Bera’ and blowing of conch shells. Going by the customs and traditions involved in the hoisting of the National Flag, the naval personnel of the Communication Branch made all ceremonial arrangements ready for the magisterial hoisting of the National Flag. To coincide with the flag hoisting, 110 students from the schools in Colombo joined singing of the National Anthem for which the music was played by the Sri Lanka Navy’s Oriental Orchestra. Subsequently, a Guard of Honour followed by a 21 Gun Salute was accorded to H.E. the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The delivery of H.E. the President’s address to the nation soon ensued.

Thereafter, the distinguished invitees and crowd could witness the majestic National Day parade where Commodore Jayantha Gamage was mounted on the pilot vehicle representing the Sri Lanka Navy. Meanwhile, Commander Sudantha Perera led the naval contingent.

The naval contingent comprised 6 divisions which were made up of naval personnel representing the Naval Headquarters, Naval Fleet Command, Special Boat Squadron (SBS), Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS), Marine Battalion and women sailors. Stamping the Navy’s mark in the day’s celebrations, 1033 naval personnel marched in the National Day parade clad in their traditional blue, white and camouflage outfits to the tunes played by the Navy Band in attendance. Upholding the honour of the Navy, the President’s Colours of the Naval Headquarters, Eastern, Northern, Fleet Commands and Naval and Maritime Academy, conferred as the highest accolade for the exceptional service rendered to the nation, being paraded with great pomp and circumstance.

At the very outset, the division of Naval Headquarters marched ahead under the command of Lieutenant Commander Ajith Jayasekara. Meanwhile, the naval personnel belonging to the 4th Fast Attack Craft Flotilla and Fast Gun Boats of the Naval Fleet Command marched in the parade paying their utmost respect under the command of Lieutenant Commander Roshan Kulathunga.

The elite forces of the Sri Lanka Navy, the Special Boat Squadron which is capable of clandestine, waterborne entry and even air mobile to operate deep in the enemy controlled land, was led by Lieutenant Commander Chamara Liyanage. Similarly, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Dimuthu Deshapriya the Rapid Action Boat Squadron that is expert in small boat and littoral operations marched next in the parade. Being a force specialized in amphibious operations, rescue operations, operations in urban areas and waterborne operations, the Marines of SLN Marine Battalion made their mark in the parade under the command of Lieutenant Commander Yapa Jayasinghe.

Thereafter, the Navy’s women sailor division comprising members from Medical, Communication, Supply, Information Technology and Volunteer Branches paraded under the command of Lieutenant Commander Theranga Kodisinghe. Showcasing some of their key weaponry and equipment in its arsenal the march of Sri Lanka Navy Armoured Parade ensued under the leadership of Commander Kelum Fernando.

The proceedings of the parade came to a climax with the parachute display presented by the tri-force personnel. Representing the Sri Lanka Navy, Commander Dharmasiri Herath glided with the Naval Ensign onto the Galle Face Green from high skies and he was followed by Petty Officer, GCMK Geekiyanage and Petty Officer WA Siriwardana of the Special Boat Squadron.

In parallel with the parade on ground, the Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Navy, SLNS Samudura spearheaded the naval fleet combined with SLNS Sagara, SLNS Sindurala, Fast Missile Vessels, Fast Gun Boats and craft of the 4th Fast Attack Craft Flotilla sailed past in formation in the seas off Galle Face Green paying their respect to H.E. the President. This fleet of ships was commanded by Captain Damian Fernando and the craft of 4th Fast Attack Craft Flotilla were led by its Commanding Officer, Captain Sanjeewa Premarathna.