NAVAL   OPERATIONS

Offshore Patrol Vessels are deployed in the high seas to carry out surveillance on illegal transfer of war-like materials using merchant vessels & EEZ activities.

Fast Attack Craft are small combat vessels capable of speeds over 45 knots. These units have proven to be the most effective weapon against terrorist Sea Tiger activities.

Owing to terrorist activities carried out using suicide cadres against naval units berthed at Trincomalee, Kankesanturai, and Karainagar, and many attempts against merchant ships off Kankesanturai and in Colombo Harbour, it has become essential to protect these harbours round the clock. The Sri Lanka Navy is the designated authority for implementing the International Ships and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in Sri Lanka.

Inshore Patrol Craft are small 14 m vessels capable of operating inshore as well as for beaching. They are capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots.

Special Boat Squadron consists of elite naval troops trained for clandestine and special operations.

Since the early 90s, the SLN has been involved in land operations, assisting the Army in amphibious operations to liberate land areas from terrorist control. The SLN also assists the Army in ground combat duties. For this purpose, the North Central Command was established, and Naval Patrolman battalions were raised to take up this task.