Navy Day is observed in Sri Lanka every December 9, commemorating the establishment of the Royal Ceylon Navy in 1950. The origins of the Sri Lanka Navy trace back to the British colonial period, with the formation of the Ceylon Naval Volunteer Force in 1937, which was mobilized during World War II. Following independence in 1948, the government recognized the need for a strong naval defense for the island nation, leading to the Navy's official creation. The Sri Lanka Navy, which has approximately 48,000 active personnel, is regarded as the country's most vital defense force, with the motto “The golden fence around the country.” Celebrations on Navy Day include official speeches, public ceremonies, and various events that honor the Navy's role in national security.