View source for Sri Lanka Navy

{{short description|Naval component of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Sri Lanka Navy
| native_name                   = {{nativename|si|ශ්‍රී ලංකා නාවික හමුදාව}}
<br />{{nativename|ta|இலங்கை கடற்படை}}
| image                         = Sri Lanka Naval Seal.png
| image_size                    = 180px
| caption                       = Emblem of Sri Lanka Navy
| dates                         = 
| country                       = {{flag|Sri Lanka}}
| branch                        = 
| type                          = [[Navy]]
| role                          = [[Naval warfare]]
| size                          = 40,000 personnel<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/front-page/Sri-Lankas-plan-to-downsize-military-Tri-forces-halt-general-recruitment/238-276984#:~:text=Last%20year%2C%20State%20Minister%20of,efforts%20to%20overhaul%20its%20finances.|title=Sri Lanka's plan to downsize military Tri-forces halt general recruitment|work=dailymirror.k|access-date=11 March 2024|archive-date=26 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926151222/https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/front-page/Sri-Lankas-plan-to-downsize-military-Tri-forces-halt-general-recruitment/238-276984#:~:text=Last%20year%2C%20State%20Minister%20of,efforts%20to%20overhaul%20its%20finances.|url-status=live}}</ref>
| anniversaries                 = [[Navy Day]]: 9 December
| equipment                     = {{plainlist| 
* 5 [[Patrol frigate|Patrol Frigates]] 
* 3 [[Patrol vessels|Offshore Patrol Vessels]]
* 2 [[Missile boat]]s
* 9 [[Gunboat|Fast Gun Boats]]
* 45 [[Fast attack craft]]s
* 5 [[Landing Craft Utility|Landing Crafts]]
* 200+ [[Fast Patrol Boat|Fast Inshore Patrol Boats]]
* 6 [[Auxiliary vessel]]s }}
| start_date                    = 1938
| command_structure             = [[Sri Lanka Armed Forces]]
| decorations                   = ''[[Military awards and decorations of Sri Lanka]]''
| website                       = {{URL|www.navy.lk}}
| commander1                    = [[President of Sri Lanka|President]] [[Anura Kumara Dissanayake]]
| commander1_label              = [[Commander-in-Chief of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces|Commander-in-Chief]]
| commander2                    = [[Vice admiral (Sri Lanka)|Vice Admiral]] [[Kanchana Banagoda]]
| commander2_label              = [[Commander of the Navy (Sri Lanka)|Commander of the Navy]]
| commander3                    = [[Rear admiral (Sri Lanka)|Rear Admiral]] Damian Fernando
| commander3_label              = [[Chief of staff of the Navy (Sri Lanka)|Chief of staff]]
| commander4                    = [[Rear Admiral]] Chinthaka Kumarasinghe
| commander4_label              = [[Deputy Chief of Staff]]
| garrison                      = [[SLNS Parakrama]], [[Colombo]]
| garrison_label                = [[Naval Headquarters (Sri Lanka Navy)|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                         = {{langx|si|රට වට බැඳි රන් ‍වැට}}<br />''Rata Wata Baņdi Ran Wéta'' <br />[[English language|English]]: "The golden fence around the country"
| colours                       = Navy blue and white <br /> {{color box|#000080|border=silver}}{{color box|White|border=silver}}
| march                         = 
| mascot                        = 
| battles                       = [[World War II]]<br />[[1971 JVP Insurrection]]<br />[[1987–89 JVP Insurrection|Insurrection 1987–89]]<br />[[Sri Lankan civil war|Sri Lankan Civil War]]<br />[[Operation Prosperity Guardian]]<ref>Mallawarachi, Bharatha (9 January 2024). "Sri Lanka to join US-led naval operations against Houthi rebels in Red Sea". ABC News. Archived from the original on 10 January 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2024.</ref>
| notable_commanders            = [[Admiral of the Fleet (Sri Lanka)|Admiral of the Fleet]] [[Wasantha Karannagoda]] <br /> [[Admiral (Sri Lanka)|Admiral]] [[Daya Sandagiri]] <br /> [[Admiral (Sri Lanka)|Admiral]] [[W.W.E.C. Fernando]] {{KIA}} <br /> [[Admiral (Sri Lanka)|Admiral]] [[Thisara Samarasinghe]] <br /> [[Admiral (Sri Lanka)|Admiral]] [[Ravindra Wijegunaratne]]
}}
{{Use Sri Lankan English|date=August 2023}}
{{Sri Lanka Navy}}

The '''Sri Lanka Navy''' ('''SLN''') ({{langx|si|ශ්‍රී ලංකා නාවික හමුදාව|Śrī Laṃkā nāvika hamudāva}}; {{langx|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. It is responsible for the maritime defence of the Sri Lankan nation and its interests. 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 | access-date = 2007-10-07 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071026221859/http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=3 | archive-date = 2007-10-26 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

[[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 with the introduction of new constitution.

It played a key role in the [[Sri Lankan civil war|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]] operations 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]].

The professional head of the navy is the [[Commander of the Navy (Sri Lanka)|Commander of the Navy]], currently [[Vice admiral|Vice Admiral]] Kanchana Banagoda. The [[Commander-in-Chief of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces|commander-in-chief]] of the [[Sri Lanka Armed Forces]] is the [[President of Sri Lanka]], who heads the [[National Security Council (Sri Lanka)|National Security Council]]; the [[Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka)|Ministry of Defence]] is the organization where ship buying policies are made for the navy.<ref>{{Cite news| title=Commander-in-Chief Completes One Year in Office | date=2007-03-08 | publisher=Media Centre for National Security | url =http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/articles/commander-in-chief.html?PHPSESSID=8a9729bc19d560d81319bc8bee3f380a | access-date = 2007-04-20 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20070928111958/http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/articles/commander-in-chief.html?PHPSESSID=8a9729bc19d560d81319bc8bee3f380a <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-09-28}}</ref> The Sri Lanka Navy has five Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels (equivalent to a traditional [[patrol frigate]]), three [[Offshore patrol vessel|Offshore Patrol Vessels]], two [[missile boat]]s, 40 [[fast attack craft]]s, more than 200 [[patrol boat]]s, seven landing ships/craft, along with six auxiliary vessels.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sri Lanka Navy|url=https://www.navy.lk/fleet.html|access-date=2021-09-29|website=www.navy.lk|archive-date=2024-09-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926151229/https://www.navy.lk/fleet.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
===The beginning and World War II===
{{main|Ceylon Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve}}
[[File:ITALIAN WARSHIP SURRENDERS AT COLOMBO. 14 SEPTEMBER 1943. THE ITALIAN COLONIAL SLOOP ERITREA A 2170 TONS, ESCORT VESSEL WITH A SPEED OF 20 KNOTS, ENTERED COLOMBO HARBOUR RECENTLY TO SURRENDER. A19586.jpg|left|thumb|''Eritrea'', 14 September 1943 entering Port of Colombo to surrender following interception by [[HMS Overdale Wyke]] of the Ceylon Naval Volunteer Force.]]
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 outset of [[World War II]], the CNVF was mobilised for war duties. It took part in action during the [[Easter Sunday Raid]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Jackson |first1=Ashley |title=CEYLON AT WAR 1939-1945 |date=2019 |publisher=Helion & Company |location=London |isbn=9781912390656 |page=86}}</ref> 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 of war|sloop]] ''[[Eritrea (colonial ship)|Eritrea]]'' and escort her to the Colombo port with a prize crew on board.

===Royal Ceylon Navy===
[[Image:Naval Ensign of the Royal Ceylon Navy.svg|right|thumb|250px|Naval Ensign of the Royal Ceylon Navy (1950–1972).]]

==== Formation ====
With Ceylon gaining self-rule from the British in 1948, the [[Parliament of Ceylon]] passed the ''Navy Act, No. 34 of 1950'' which established the Royal Ceylon Navy (RCyN) on 9 December 1950. The CRNVR served as a source of officers and sailors for the newly established RCyN as one hundred were selected and transferred to the regular naval force. Under the Navy Act, the CRNVR became the volunteer naval force on 9 January 1951 as the Royal Ceylon Volunteer Naval Force (RCVNF). The first warship of the RCyN was commissioned in 1951 as [[HMCyS Vijaya|HMCyS ''Vijaya'']], an [[Algerine-class minesweeper]], ex-HMS ''Flying Fish'' along with other [[patrol boat]]s and tugs. It was the policy of His Majesties Government of Ceylon to build a strong navy to be the first line of defence of the [[island country]]. As such the fleet was expanded with the addition of, [[HMS Pickle (J293)|HMCyS ''Parakrama'']], 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 an oceangoing tug (ex-HMS ''Adept''). The RCyN took part in several joint naval exercises and a goodwill missions. Commodore [[Royce de Mel]] became the first Ceylonese to head the navy as he was appointed Captain of the RCyN in 1955. In 1959, the navy took over the strategic [[SLN Dockyard|Royal Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee]] as the last of the British forces in Ceylon withdrew. In 1960, flexing its blue water capability a naval fleet undertook a deployment to the far east. Its return resulted in scandal as a search for contraband took place. A Commission of Inquiry into the incident resulted in the dismissal of several officers (with commissions withdrawn and others retired) and the compulsory retirement of Rear Admiral de Mel, who was thereafter implicated in an [[1962 Ceylonese coup d'état attempt|attempt military coup d'état]] in 1962.<ref name=Past>{{cite web|title=Past Commanders|url=http://www.navy.lk/past-commanders.html|publisher=navy.lk|access-date=17 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902032132/http://www.navy.lk/past-commanders.html|archive-date=2 September 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka Navy: Diamond Jubilee celebrations|url=http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101207_06|publisher=navy.lk|access-date=7 October 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206071019/http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20101207_06|archive-date=6 February 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==== Stagnation ====
In the aftermath of the attempted coup, the armed forces saw major budget cuts that dramatically halted the expansion it enjoyed in the 1950s. Under [[N. Q. Dias]], the [[Ministry of External Affairs and Defence]] changed its defence policy taking steps to prevent a further coup attempts. Joint operations among armed services were stopped, with the army to focused on internal security and the role of the navy was scaled down. As a result, several of its ships were sold off and its size reduced by the 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 the United Kingdom. Two batches of 300 ratings were recruited in 1966 and 1969.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jayaweera |first1=Neville |title=A memorable evening with General Sir John Kotalawala PC, KBE, CH, K.StJ Prime Minister of Ceylon 1951-1956 |url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=72252 |access-date=2 July 2019 |publisher=Island}}</ref><ref name="COIN operations">{{cite web|url=http://vayu-sena.indianmilitaryhistory.org/other-coin-1971-ceylon.shtml|title=COIN operations in Ceylon – 1971 – Vayu Sena|access-date=12 December 2014|archive-date=22 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922112930/http://vayu-sena.indianmilitaryhistory.org/other-coin-1971-ceylon.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Moore">{{cite journal |last1=Moore |first1=Mick |title=Thoroughly Modern Revolutionaries: The JVP in Sri Lanka |journal=Modern Asian Studies |date=1993 |volume=27 |issue=3 |pages=593–642|doi=10.1017/S0026749X00010908 |s2cid=144384242 }}</ref>

=== Insurrection ===
{{main|1971 JVP Insurrection}}
As a result, in 1971 the navy was poorly equipped and short of personnel when the [[1971 JVP Insurrection]] broke out. RCyN had only one warship, HMCyS ''Gajabahu'' which was not put to sea as its crew were dispatched with other naval personnel for shore duty. RCyN initially mounted the defence of ports and thereafter carryout offensive counterinsurgency operations against the insurgents. During the insurrection navy suffered its first combat casualties and went on to man detention centres to rehabilitate surrendered insurgents after it was crushed in a few months. Ceylon, however, had to rely on the [[Indian Navy]] to established an exclusion zone around the island.<ref name="COIN operations"/><ref name="Moore"/>

With the JVP insurrection, the Government felt the limitations of the RCyN and the need to strengthen the navy. The [[People's Republic of China]] gifted two [[Type 062-class gunboat]] and these were commissioned in February 1972, while three more were ordered.<ref>{{cite news |title=The sinking of SLNS Weeraya and Jagatha |url=https://island.lk/the-sinking-of-slns-weeraya-and-jagatha/ |access-date=9 December 2023 |publisher=The Island}}</ref>

===Navy of the Republic===
[[Image:Naval Ensign of Sri Lanka.svg|right|thumb|250px|Sri Lanka Navy Ensign.]]
In July 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 (flag)|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).<ref name="DN01">{{cite news |last1=Joseph |first1=Dishan |title=Cruising on the waves of victory |url=https://www.dailynews.lk/2020/12/01/features/234885/cruising-waves-victory |access-date=2 November 2021 |work=Daily News |archive-date=3 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103043126/https://www.dailynews.lk/2020/12/01/features/234885/cruising-waves-victory |url-status=live }}</ref>

SLN received three more Type 062-class gunboats in December 1972, while the [[USSR]] gifted a [[Shershen-class torpedo boat]] in 1975. These gunboats allowed the SLN to carry out effective coastal patrolling and several cruises to regional ports. New bases were established to counter smuggling operations in the coastal areas. Five inshore patrol crafts were ordered from Cheverton, while six coastal patrol craft were built by the Colombo Dockyards.<ref name="DN01"/>

===Civil war===
{{main|Sri Lankan Civil War}}
[[File:Sri Lanka Military 0059.jpg|right|thumb|250px|[[SLNS Samudura|SLNS ''Samudura'']], fast gun boats and troopship ''JetLiner'' in the Colombo harbour.]]
[[File:Sri Lanka Military 0085.jpg|thumb|Sri Lanka Navy personnel on [[Independence Day (Sri Lanka)|Independence Day]] parade.]]
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 counter 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 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 escalation of the size, firepower and speed of the boats with new techniques deployed by both sides. The Sea Tigers mastered the art of using sophisticated [[Suicide attack|suicide crafts]] against naval vessels both small and large. The navy acquired in the late 1980s Israeli [[Dvora-class fast patrol boat]]s which it designated as Fast Attack Crafts (FAC). The FACs of the [[Fast Attack Flotilla]] became the workhorses of the navy's offensive and defensive operations against the Sea Tigers. 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.<ref name="DN01"/>

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 and purchasing several more Type 062-class gunboats. The navy lost 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 threat 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.<ref name="DN01"/>

In the early 1980s a land combat force named Naval Patrolmen 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]].<ref name="DN02">{{cite news |last1=Joseph |first1=Dishan |title=Special Boat Squadron The elite naval commandos |url=https://www.dailynews.lk/2021/04/02/features/245624/elite-naval-commandos |access-date=2 November 2021 |work=Daily News |archive-date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926151237/https://www.dailynews.lk/2021/04/02/features/245624/elite-naval-commandos |url-status=live }}</ref>

In order to support ground operations of the army, landing ships and boats were acquired. In early 1990s the SLN carried out in conjunction with the army its first [[Amphibious warfare|amphibious operation]] code named ''[[Operation Sea Breeze (Sri Lanka)|Operation Sea Breeze]]'' followed by the larger ''[[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.<ref name="DN01"/>

The mid-1990s saw a slow expansion of larger fleet assets with addition of 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 destined for the Tigers within Sri Lankan territorial 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. In 2004, the navy received a [[Medium endurance cutter|Reliance-class cutter]] from the United States Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New Missions and Stronger Partnerships: How U.S. Excess Defense Articles Help Promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific Region|url=https://www.state.gov/new-missions-and-stronger-partnerships-how-u-s-excess-defense-articles-help-promote-a-free-and-open-indo-pacific-region/|website=United States Department of State|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-13}}</ref>

Following the resumption 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 occurring during the course of 2006, 2007 and 2009. Most significant of the events during this time was 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 ([[Sri Lanka Navy anti arms smuggling operations]]). 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]].

====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 Theatre of Eelam War IV|Eastern Theatre]]
**[[Northern Theatre of Eelam War IV|Northern Theatre]]
**[[Sri Lanka Navy anti arms smuggling operations|Anti arms smuggling operations in the Indian Ocean]]
|}

===After the war===
[[File:Colombo Naval Exercise 2022.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[SLNS Gajabahu (P626)]], [[SLNS Sayurala (2016)|SLNS Sayurala (P623)]] and [[SLNS Sindurala (P624)]] during 2022 Colombo Naval Exercise. [[SLNS Samudura (P261)]] also visible in the distance.]]
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 its maritime operations to fisheries control and to 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 |access-date=2013-03-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525055149/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/killing-of-indian-fishermen-unacceptable-says-pranab-81066 |archive-date=2013-05-25 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/?pageNumber=1&parentId=52635&operation=complaint |title=12 fishermen attacked by Sri Lankan navy |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=2013-03-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427000407/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article1509489.ece?pageNumber=1&parentId=52635&operation=complaint |archive-date=2014-04-27 |url-status=live }}</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|date=17 November 2013 |access-date=2014-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120141215/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-17/abbott-confirms-sri-lanka-boats-deal/5097580|archive-date=2014-11-20|url-status=live}}</ref> The first of these vessels was delivered in April 2014.

====Blue water navy====
[[File:U.S. and Sri Lankan navy ships operate together. (26077070552).jpg|right|thumb|250px|The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship [[USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19)|USS Blue Ridge]] manoeuvres into formation with SLNS Sayura and SLNS Samudura.]]
Expanding its blue water capability the navy began commissioning larger fleet assets equivalent to Patrol frigates, which it termed as ''Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels''. In April and August 2018 two 105m long vessels of the [[Saryu-class patrol vessel|Saryu-class]] were commissioned. Built by [[Goa Shipyard]] on order to the Sri Lanka navy, these were the largest purpose built ships 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 |access-date=2015-02-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228125452/http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/22/india-to-supply-two-warships-to-sri-lanka/ |archive-date=2014-12-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

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|access-date=2017-11-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042620/http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2017/11/28/201711282230/|archive-date=2017-12-01|url-status=live}}</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"|access-date=2018-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618203916/http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2018/04/24/201804241800/|archive-date=2018-06-18|url-status=live}}</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|access-date=2018-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618203803/http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Navy_ships_leave_for_MILAN_2018_20180303_01|archive-date=2018-06-18|url-status=live}}</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|access-date=2018-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708203156/http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2018/06/04/201806041610|archive-date=2018-07-08|url-status=live}}</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 under the EDA program. Commissioned in June 2019 as an Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel, it became 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=colombopage.com|access-date = 2017-11-21|language = en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040116/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_17B/Nov07_1510029283CH.php|archive-date = 2017-12-01|url-status = live}}</ref>

In June 2019, the navy took over a [[Type 053H2G frigate]] which was transferred to the Navy from China. It will be armed with [[Type 79 100 mm naval gun|dual Type 79 100 mm naval gun]]s and two [[Type 76 twin 37 mm naval gun|Type 76A dual-37 mm anti-aircraft gun]]s to function as an Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/article/81995/china-to-gift-frigate-to-sri-lanka-to-bolster-bilateral-defence-ties |title=China to gift frigate to Sri Lanka to bolster bilateral defence ties |access-date=2018-09-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912131222/https://www.janes.com/article/81995/china-to-gift-frigate-to-sri-lanka-to-bolster-bilateral-defence-ties |archive-date=2018-09-12 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/180916/news/china-to-gift-a-plan-missile-frigate-311810.html |title=China to gift a PLAN missile frigate |access-date=2018-09-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916034713/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/180916/news/china-to-gift-a-plan-missile-frigate-311810.html |archive-date=2018-09-16 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2021, the navy dispatched its [[Landing Ship, Tank]] SLNS ''Shakthi'' to sail to the [[Port of Chennai]] to sealift urgently needed medical grade oxygen needed for the [[COVID-19]] situation in the island.<ref>{{cite web |title=SLNS Shakthi leaves for India for shipment of medical oxygen to Sri Lanka |url=https://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2021/08/17/202108170920/ |website=navy.lk |publisher=Sri Lanka Navy |access-date=19 August 2021 |archive-date=19 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819060048/https://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2021/08/17/202108170920/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 26 October 2021, the navy formally took over the second Hamilton-class high endurance cutter transferred from the United States at the [[Coast Guard District 13|USCG Station Seattle]] under the EDA program. It is due to reach its home port in 2022, following a seven-month refit in Seattle.<ref name="Douglas Munro1"/>
[[File:Sri Lanka Navy Marines CATVs.jpg|thumb|Sri Lanka Navy Marines new locally made Combat All-Terrain Vehicles (CATVs)]]
In March 2022, the Government of Sri Lanka signed several defence agreements with the Government of India which included the establishment of a [[Sri Lanka Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre|Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre]] on an Indian grant as well as the acquisition of [[Dornier 228]] maritime reconnaissance aircraft to the Sri Lanka Air Force to operate with naval personnel. A 4,000 ton [[Dry dock|floating dock]] constructed by [[Goa Shipyard]] was also acquired as part of a grant from India, to facilitate repair and maintenance of larger fleet units based at Trincomalee instead of having to depend dry dock facilities in Colombo.<ref>{{cite web|title=Four pacts with India compromise Sri Lanka's sovereignty|url=https://ceylontoday.lk/news/four-pacts-with-india-compromise-sri-lanka-s-sovereignty|access-date=29 March 2022|publisher=ceylontoday.lk|archive-date=27 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327220225/https://ceylontoday.lk/news/four-pacts-with-india-compromise-sri-lanka-s-sovereignty|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In January 2024, the President of Sri Lanka announced plans to deploy a navy ship to the [[Red Sea]] to join the maritime coalition defending shipping against increased attacks by [[Houthi]] rebels in Yemen.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Lanka to deploy Navy ship on Red Sea amidst rising Houthi threats |url=https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/Sri-Lanka-to-deploy-Navy-ship-on-Red-Sea-amidst-rising-Houthi-threats/108-274410 |access-date=4 January 2024 |publisher=Daily Mirror |archive-date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926151220/https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/Sri-Lanka-to-deploy-Navy-ship-on-Red-Sea-amidst-rising-Houthi-threats/108-274410 |url-status=live }}</ref> The navy has decided to deploy one of its five [[#Ships|Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels]] to the Red Sea as part of [[Operation Prosperity Guardian]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jayawardana |first1=Sandun |title=Deployment of SL Navy advanced offshore patrol vessel to the Red Sea still under discussion |url=https://www.sundaytimes.lk/240107/news/deployment-of-sl-navy-advanced-offshore-patrol-vessel-to-the-red-sea-still-under-discussion-544478.html |access-date=8 January 2024 |publisher=Sunday Times |archive-date=11 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111111941/https://www.sundaytimes.lk/240107/news/deployment-of-sl-navy-advanced-offshore-patrol-vessel-to-the-red-sea-still-under-discussion-544478.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==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|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. [[Fisheries protection]] in the territorial waters and the [[Exclusive economic zone of Sri Lanka]].

===Foreign===
*[[Haiti]] - Since 2004 navy personnel 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|access-date=2018-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070815112334/http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/minustah/facts.html|archive-date=2007-08-15|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Red Sea]] - Since January 2024, the navy has deployed a ship as part of the [[Operation Prosperity Guardian]].

==Command, control and organisation==
[[File:Sri lankan navy org chart.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Command structure of the Sri Lanka Navy.]]

The professional head of the navy is the [[Commander of the Navy (Sri Lanka)|Commander of the Navy]] (C of N) who reports directly to the Minister of Defence. The Commander of the Navy exercises operational and administrative control of the Navy from [[Naval Headquarters (Sri Lanka Navy)|Naval Headquarters]] in ''[[SLNS Parakrama]]'', [[Colombo]]. He is assisted by the [[Chief of Staff of the Navy (Sri Lanka)|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.

===Leadership===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Post !! Rank !! Incumbent
|-
|[[Commander of the Navy (Sri Lanka)|Commander of the Navy]]
|Vice Admiral
|[[Kanchana Banagoda]]
|-
|[[Chief of Staff of the Navy (Sri Lanka)|Chief of Staff]]
| Rear Admiral
|KDDC Fernando
|-
|Deputy Chief of Staff
|Rear Admiral
|WDCU Kumarasinghe
|-
|}

===Board of Management===
The following posts make up the Board of Management:<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navy.lk/organization.html | title=Sri Lanka Navy | access-date=2019-08-06 | archive-date=2022-10-18 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018134722/https://www.navy.lk/organization.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>
*Director General Operations
*Director General Health Services
*Director General Logistics
*Commandant Volunteer Naval Force
*Director General Budget & Finance
*Director General Personnel
*Director General Administration
*Director General Electrical and Electronic Engineering
*Director General Training
*Director General Engineering
*Director General Civil Engineering
*Director General Services
*Commandant Naval Infantry
*Secretary to Commander of the Navy and Naval Secretary
*Naval Assistant to The Commander of The 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]]
* [[Sri Lanka Marine Corps]]
*[[Naval Boat Building Yard (Sri Lanka)|Naval Boat Building Yard]]

===Branches===
[[File:Sri Lankan military band.jpg|thumb|Members of the Sri Lanka Navy Band perform at Mattur Public Grounds during a community relations event in 2018.]]
Sri Lanka Navy consists following branches to which personnel 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
*[[#Provost Branch|Provost Branch]]

==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]]
{{main|Military academies in Sri Lanka}}

At the formation of the Royal Ceylon Navy in 1950, it looked to the [[Royal Navy]] to its training in the formational years. Naval rating training was initiated locally with Royal Navy instructors at [[Royal Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee]] while officer cadets and specialist training took place in the United Kingdom. Initial batches of officer cadets were sent to [[Britannia Royal Naval College]], along with specialized training at trade schools of the Royal Navy, while senior officers were sent to the [[Royal Naval College, Greenwich]] and to the [[Royal College of Defence Studies]]. Following the resuspension of recruitment following the suspension from 1962 to 1967, the [[Naval and Maritime Academy]] was established for basic officer training. With the rapid expansion of the Sri Lankan armed forces in the 1980s and 1990s saw the establishment of local specialist and trade schools in the navy, along with staff colleges and a defence university. At present the Director General Training directs all naval training establishments.

All pre-commissioning training for officers are carried out at the [[Naval and Maritime Academy]] (NMA) 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. The Naval & Maritime Academy also has specialist schools for training areas such as [[Anti-submarine warfare|ASW]], [[Underwater diving|diving]], [[medicine]], [[combat training|combat]], [[CBRN defense|NBCD]] and sniper. It also conducts the Sub Lieutenant Technical Course for newly [[commissioned officer]]s, the Junior Naval Staff Course for [[staff officer]]s and the Long Logistics Management Course (LLMC) for [[logistics officer]]s of the navy. The [[General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University]] (KDU) formed in 1981 and situated in Ratmalana, fourteen kilometres 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]] follow the [[Staff College|Command and Staff Course]] at the [[Defence Services Command and Staff College]] (DSCSC) at Batalanda, Makola which allows officers to gain a Masters Of Science (Defence Studies) degree from the KDU. Senior officers destined for [[flag rank]] attend the prestigious [[National Defence College, Sri Lanka|National Defence College]] (NDC) in [[Colombo]] which is the highest level of training leading to a Master of Philosophy from the KDU. The navy continuous to send its senior officers for overseas training.

Basic training for new recruits (approximately six months) are conducted at Advanced Naval Training Centre, SLNS 'Nipuna'; Naval Institute of Technology, 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 [[#Naval Patrolmen|Naval Patrolmen]].

Additional training is carried out in [[UK]], [[India]], [[Pakistan]] and [[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|List of Sri Lanka Navy equipment}}
{{See also|List of historic ships of the Sri Lanka Navy}}
The Sri Lankan [[Naval fleet]] consists of above 250 combat, support ships and inshore patrol craft, with most originating from the United States, China, India, Israel. While [[Naval Boat Building Yard (Sri Lanka)|Naval Boat Building Yard]], [[Colombo Dockyard]] provide locally.<ref name="SLN op">{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=46|title=The official website of Sri Lanka Navy|access-date=2014-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923033903/http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=46|archive-date=2013-09-23|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Ships===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
!scope="row"; style="background-color: #ACD1E9;"|Type
!scope="row"; style="background-color: #ACD1E9;"|Vessels
!/scope="row"; style="background-color: #ACD1E9;"|Image
|-
|'''Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels'''<br /><small>equivalent to traditional [[patrol frigate]]s </small> ||
*[[SLNS Gajabahu (P626)|SLNS ''Gajabahu'']]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2019/06/06/201906062125/|title=The official website of Sri Lanka Navy - His Excellency the President commissions P 626 as SLNS Gajabahu at Colombo harbour|website=news.navy.lk|access-date=2019-06-07|archive-date=2019-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607185337/http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2019/06/06/201906062125/|url-status=live}}</ref> 
*[[SLNS Sayurala (2016)|SLNS ''Sayurala'']]<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|access-date=2017-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804215136/http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=President_commissions_Navys_new_ship_20170802_03|archive-date=2017-08-04|url-status=live}}</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|access-date=2017-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802212100/http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2017/08/02/201708021815|archive-date=2017-08-02|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[SLNS Sindurala|SLNS ''Sindurala'']]<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|access-date=2017-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729143528/http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=New_Navy_vessel_officially_launched_at_Goa_Shipyard_20170505_01|archive-date=2017-07-29|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Prime Minister commissions 2nd AOPV of Sri Lanka Navy|url=http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2018/04/20/201804200830/|access-date=2018-04-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423192236/http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2018/04/20/201804200830|archive-date=2018-04-23|url-status=live}}</ref> 
*[[SLNS Parakramabahu (P625)|SLNS ''Parakramabahu'']]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/article/81995/china-to-gift-frigate-to-sri-lanka-to-bolster-bilateral-defence-ties |title=China to gift frigate to Sri Lanka to bolster bilateral defence ties |access-date=2018-09-12 |archive-date=2018-09-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912131222/https://www.janes.com/article/81995/china-to-gift-frigate-to-sri-lanka-to-bolster-bilateral-defence-ties |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_19A/Jun08_1559964661CH.php |title=Sri Lanka : Sri Lanka Navy takes over the gifted P625 OPV from China |website=www.colombopage.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609032601/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_19A/Jun08_1559964661CH.php |archive-date=2019-06-09}}</ref>
*[[USCGC Douglas Munro (WHEC-724)|SLNS ''Vijayabahu'']]<ref name="Douglas Munro1">{{cite news |last1=Farzan |first1=Zulfick |title=Sri Lanka Navy takes delivery of Ex-USCGC Douglas Munro |url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/10/27/sri-lanka-navy-takes-delivery-of-ex-uscgc-douglas-munro/ |access-date=28 October 2021 |publisher=Newsfirst |archive-date=7 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707214320/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/10/27/sri-lanka-navy-takes-delivery-of-ex-uscgc-douglas-munro/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|| [[File:SLNS Sayurala at Goa Shipyard.jpg|150px|]]
|-
||'''Offshore Patrol Vessels'''<br /><small>Deployed on the high seas to carry out surveillance and interception of illegal arms smuggling and to monitor naval activity within the [[EEZ]].</small>
||
*[[SLNS Sayura|SLNS ''Sayura'']]
*[[SLNS Samudura|SLNS ''Samudura'']]
*[[SLNS Sagara|SLNS ''Sagara'']]

|| [[File:SriLanka-Independence - 4 Feb 2019 (22).jpg|150px]]

|-
||'''Fast Missile Vessels'''
|| added to the SLN in 2001 when two Israeli [[Saar 4 class missile boat|''Saar 4'' class]] [[missile boat]]s were acquired. These vessels, which are referred to as the ''[[Ten Giant Warriors#Nandhimithra|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|access-date=2018-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816195144/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htworld/articles/20060409.aspx|archive-date=2018-08-16|url-status=live}}</ref>
|| [[File:SriLanka-Independence - 4 Feb 2019 (32).jpg|150px]]
|-
||'''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|access-date=2018-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606170614/http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/|archive-date=2017-06-06|url-status=live}}</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.
|[[File:SriLanka-Independence - 4 Feb 2019 (27).jpg|150px]]

|-
||'''Fast Attack Craft'''
||They are 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]]
|| [[File:SriLanka-Independence - 4 Feb 2019 (29).jpg|150px]]

|-
||'''Inshore Patrol Craft'''
|| Inshore Patrol Craft are small vessels (14 metres 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"/>
|[[File:SriLanka-Independence - 4 Feb 2019 (53).jpg|150px]]
| -
|-
||'''Littoral Attack Craft'''
||Littoral Warfare Craft are small (7 metres 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'''
||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''; [[Ranavijaya-class landing craft|Ranavijaya class]] [[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"/>
|| [[File:Sri Lanka Military 0056.jpg|150px]]

|-
||'''Auxiliary Vessels'''
||The Navy also has several [[Auxiliary ship|auxiliary vessel]]s such as [[Troopship|fast personnel 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]].
|| [[File:Sri Lanka Navy troop transport catamaran.JPG|150px]]
|}

===Main Naval Weapons Systems===
* [[Gabriel missile|Gabriel]] - [[anti-ship missiles|Anti-ship missile]]
* [[Oto Melara 76 mm]] [[naval artillery]]
* [[Type 79 100 mm naval gun#PJ33A|PJ33A]] 100&nbsp;mm dual gun [[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]]
*Naval variant of a locally developed [[guided missile]] and 40-barrel and 20-barrel [[Multiple Rocket Launcher|MRLS]] to be soon installed on naval vessels<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Honegger|first=E. H.|title=Ship's Service Store Equipment Developed for U. S. Naval Vessels|date=2009-03-18|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-3584.1946.tb01720.x|journal=Journal of the American Society for Naval Engineers|volume=58|issue=2|pages=237–246|doi=10.1111/j.1559-3584.1946.tb01720.x|issn=0099-7056|access-date=2021-09-09|archive-date=2024-09-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926151240/http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-3584.1946.tb01720.x|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Venasa – 2019-02-27|date=2019-02-28|url=https://www.itntv.lk/2019/02/28/venasa-2019-02-27/|language=en-US|access-date=2021-09-09|archive-date=2021-09-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909160552/https://www.itntv.lk/2019/02/28/venasa-2019-02-27/|url-status=dead}}</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.
-->

== Naval exercises ==
Sri Lanka often conducts and participates in naval exercises with other friendly forces and countries designed to increase naval cooperation and also to strengthen cooperative security relationships.
[[File:SLNS Sindurala and INS Sumedha during SLINEX 2019.jpg|thumb|SLNS Sindurala and INS Sumedha during SLINEX 2019|240x240px]]
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;" |Exercise
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;" |Navy/Navies/Air Forces
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |First Edition
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;" |Last Edition
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;" |Total Editions
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Notes/ References
|-
|CONEX
|[[Sri Lanka Coast Guard]], [[Sri Lanka Air Force]]
|2019
|2023
|5
|<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 October 2020|title=Sri Lanka naval exercise CONEX-21 concludes successfully in western seas|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_21A/Feb11_1613067009CH.php|access-date=2021-05-21|website=colombopage|archive-date=2021-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521065443/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_21A/Feb11_1613067009CH.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[SLINEX]]
|[[Indian Navy]]
|2012
|2022
|9
|<ref name="SLINEX 15 - Sri Lanka-India Exercise">{{cite web|title=SLINEX 15 – Sri Lanka-India Exercise|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/slinex-15-sri-lanka-india-exercise|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801121221/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/slinex-15-sri-lanka-india-exercise|archive-date=1 August 2017|access-date=1 August 2017|website=Indian Navy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=19 October 2020|title=India and Sri Lanka begin their annual exercise SLINEX today|url=http://ddnews.gov.in/national/india-and-sri-lanka-begin-their-annual-exercise-slinex-today|access-date=2020-11-27|website=DD News|archive-date=2021-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226012358/http://ddnews.gov.in/national/india-and-sri-lanka-begin-their-annual-exercise-slinex-today|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Exercise Dosti
|[[Indian Coast Guard]], [[Maldives National Defence Force]]
|
|2024
|16
|<ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2024/02/29/202402291730/ | title=Sri Lanka Navy | access-date=2024-03-01 | archive-date=2024-03-01 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301082215/https://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2024/02/29/202402291730/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|}

== Marine battalion ==
{{Main|Sri Lanka Marine Corps}}
[[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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123215327/http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/US-Marines-train-recently-formed-SLN-Marine-Corps-119584.html|archive-date=2016-11-23|url-status=live}}</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/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128050147/http://www.navy.lk/eventnews/2016/11/24/201611241610|archive-date=2016-11-28}}</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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228170818/http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2017/02/27/201702271550/|archive-date=2017-02-28|url-status=live}}</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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813143222/http://marine.navy.lk/index.php?id=29|archive-date=2018-08-13|url-status=live}}</ref>

The first group consisting of 164 Marines, consisting of 6 officers and 158 sailors, passed out on 27 February 2017 from Naval Base SLNS Barana in Mullikulam in a ceremony attended by the President [[Maithripala Sirisena]], and the Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral [[Ravindra Wijegunaratne]] alongside the tri-force Commanders and other senior officers. On July 29, 2017, Vice Admiral Wijegunarathna opened 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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302102740/http://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2017/02/27/201702271550/|archive-date=2017-03-02|url-status=live}}</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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813111613/http://marine.navy.lk/index.php?id=42|archive-date=2018-08-13|url-status=live}}</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 the start 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 |access-date=2009-05-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525143750/http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/victorys-price-6200-sri-lankan-troops-20090522-bi4f.html |archive-date=25 May 2009 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</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|access-date=2014-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225901/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/010408/spec.html|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=live}}</ref> Notable fallen members includes;

* [[Admiral (Sri Lanka)|Admiral]] [[Clancy Fernando|W.W.E. Clancy Fernando]] {{KIA}} - Commander of the Navy
* [[Rear admiral (Sri Lanka)|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===
Women in the Sri Lanka Navy were taken for the first time in 1985;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2006/10/08/zin01.asp |title=An officer and a lady: You've come a long way, lass. |work=Sunday Observer|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061011185349/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2006/10/08/zin01.asp|archive-date=2006-10-11}}</ref> For women in the Sri Lanka Navy, there is no separate branch or department. Women can join both as officers and sailors.

Today women are recruited to both the regular and [[Sri Lanka Volunteer Naval Force|volunteer]] forces. At first limited to the medical branch, currently females are able to join some other branches of the navy. 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] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203150851/http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=325 |date=2007-12-03 }}</ref>

===Ranks===
{{Main|Military ranks and insignia of the Sri Lanka Navy}}
The following tables present the military ranks and insignia of the Sri Lanka Navy. These ranks generally correspond with those of Western or Commonwealth Nations militaries, and reflect those of the British warrant officer, non-commissioned officer and enlisted ranks and the Commissioned officer ranks. Sri Lanka does have an Admiral rank, but it is usually only awarded to the [[Chief of Defence Staff (Sri Lanka)|Chief of Defence Staff]] (CDS) or as an honorary rank.

;Officers
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OF/Sri Lanka}}
|}

;Other ranks
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OR/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OR/Sri Lanka}}
|}

==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|access-date = 2017-03-12|language = en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170313042929/http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=139283|archive-date = 2017-03-13|url-status = live}}</ref>

According to the Maritime Doctrine of Sri Lanka (MDSL) published in 2020, the establishment of [[Naval aviation|Naval Aviation]] consisting of helicopters and drones have been proposed and initial steps have been taken.<ref>{{Cite web|title=MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA (MDSL) SLN BR 1|url=https://www.navy.lk/assets/images/english/Doctrine/sln_br1_ctp.pdf|access-date=2021-01-09|archive-date=2021-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111173850/https://www.navy.lk/assets/images/english/Doctrine/sln_br1_ctp.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Naval variant of a locally developed [[guided missile]] and 40-barrel and 20-barrel [[Multiple Rocket Launcher|MRLS]] to be soon installed on naval vessels.<ref>{{Cite web|title=First locally-made MBRL takes pride of place at parade|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/190210/news/first-locally-made-mbrl-takes-pride-of-place-at-parade-335319.html|access-date=2021-09-09|website=The Sunday Times Sri Lanka|archive-date=2024-09-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926151230/https://www.sundaytimes.lk/190210/news/first-locally-made-mbrl-takes-pride-of-place-at-parade-335319.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-11-28|title=First ever missile & multi-barrel rocket launcher produced in SL on display today|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/11/28/first-ever-missile-multi-barrel-rocket-launcher-produced-in-sl-on-display-today/|access-date=2021-09-09|website=Sri Lanka News - Newsfirst|language=en|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126113836/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2018/11/28/first-ever-missile-multi-barrel-rocket-launcher-produced-in-sl-on-display-today/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Navy planned to purchase a locally constructed 110m OPV and 10 45m Fast Patrol Boats from the Colombo Dockyard PLC, alongside a 95.6m corvette from China. However, the plans were suspended in 2022 due to the lack of funds and instead the navy decided to obtain similar vessels for free from friendly countries.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.parliament.lk/uploads/documents/paperspresented/1693890298078521.pdf |title=SRI LANKA NAVY ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT - 2022 |access-date=26 October 2023}}</ref>
In January 2024 the United States deputy secretary of state for management and resources [[Richard R. Verma]] stated that the US will provide another Offshore Patrol Vessel to the Sri Lanka Navy.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.navy.lk/eventnews/2024/02/23/202402231930/ | title=Sri Lanka Navy }}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Military of Sri Lanka]]
*[[Commander of the Navy (Sri Lanka)]]
*[[Military ranks and insignia of the Sri Lanka Navy]]
*[[Fast Attack Flotilla]]
*[[Special Boat Squadron (Sri Lanka)]]
*[[Rapid Action Boat Squadron]]
*[[Naval and Maritime Academy]]
*[[Hoods Tower Museum]]
*[[Sri Lankan civil war|Sri Lankan Civil War]]
* '''''<small>{{portal-inline|Sri Lanka}}</small>'''''

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

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Navy of Sri Lanka}}
*[http://www.navy.lk/ Official website]
*[http://www.defence.lk/ Ministry of Defence Sri Lanka]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070501105954/http://www.kda.lk/ General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy]

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

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