Navy attends 72nd Independence Day celebrations held with great pride and zeal at Independence Square
The Sri Lanka Navy proudly took part in the 72nd Independence Day celebrations held with great pride and zeal at the Independence Square, Colombo today (04th February 2020). 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 Gotabaya Rajapaksa, as the Chief Guest.
Prime Minister, Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Speaker of the Parliament, Admiral of the Fleet, Wasantha Karannagoda, Marshal of the Air Force, Roshan Goonetileke, Secretary of Defence, Major General (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne, acting Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal, Sumangala Dias, acting Inspector General of Police, Ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials were also present on this august occasion.
The proceedings of the 72nd Independence Day celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by His Excellency the President on an auspicious note. 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, the National Anthem was sung and its music was played by the Sri Lanka Navy’s Oriental Orchestra.
Thereafter, the distinguished invitees and crowd could witness the majestic Independence Day parade where Commodore Pradeep Rathnayake was mounted on the pilot vehicle representing the Sri Lanka Navy. Meanwhile, Commander Harinda Dheeshana led the naval contingent.The naval contingent comprised 06 divisions including 713 naval personnel. The column of Naval Headquarters was command by Lieutenant Commander Hemantha Perera and the Naval Fleet Command was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Chaminda Walakuluge. Meanwhile, the Special Boat Squadron and Rapid Action Boat Squadron were led by Priyantha Pushpakumara and Lieutenant Commander Dimuthu Deshapriya respectively. Apart from that SLN Marine Battalion was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Yapa Jayasinghe while Lieutenant Commander Chamali Karunarathne was commanding the Woman Sailors' Division. Showcasing some of their key weaponry and equipment in its arsenal the Sri Lanka Navy’s Mechanized Column and other hardware rolled down the parade route next under the leadership of Commander Anuruddha Fernando.
Meanwhile, the Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels of the Sri Lanka Navy: SLNS Gajabahu, Parakramabahu, Sindurala and SLNS Suranimila performed their sail-by salute off the Galle Face Green, as a mark of respect to the Independence Day.
