The 66th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Navy which claims for an unblemished and illustrious history falls today, on 09th December 2016. While performing its noble service and being the golden fence around the nation, the Sri Lanka Navy celebrates its 66th Navy Day giving prominence to religious activities, social welfare activities and time-honoured naval customs and traditions. All these Navy Day programmes were initiated under the expert guidance and directives of Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne.

The series of religious activities organized to coincide with the 66th Navy Day included the Navy Flag Blessing Ceremony held at sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, Joint Christian Commemoration and Thanksgiving Service held at St. Lucia’s Cathedral in Colombo, Islamic Religious Ceremony held at the Jummah Masjid Mosque in Chatham Street, Colombo and a special Hindu Religious Ceremony conducted at Sri Ponnambalavaneshwarar Hindu Temple in Kotahena.

In parallel with these religious activities, lamps were also lit at the Naval War Heroes’ Memorial at SLNS Gemunu, rejoicing in merit on fallen naval war heroes. The occasion was also attended by members of naval families and relatives of the naval personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice in honour of the motherland. Moreover, an All-night Pirith Chanting Ceremony followed by a Mid-day Alms Giving was held with 66 Bhikkus in attendance, invoking blessings on all naval personnel and their family members.