Naval Patrolmen

Originally limited for base and harbour security, in recent years Naval Patrolmen have taken part in offensive and defensive operations against the LTTE in conjunction with the Sri Lanka Army or independently, using both infantry and light armored units.

Regularly naval personnel were deployed to support the police to control civil disobedience along with the Army during many harthals and riots during the 1950s and 1960s.

During the 1962 coup d'état attempt the internal security personnel of the navy were detailed to guard Prime Minister's House (Temple Trees).

This unit was formed primary as a protective force for base and port security, but increased its numbers and scope for amphibious and land combat operations.

In 2016, the Sri Lanka Navy formed its first battalion of Marines consisting of 6 officers and 158 sailors from the Naval Patrolmen branch, specializing in amphibious warfare.