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  “A HAPPY ANNIVERSARY” – By Des Kelly  Quite an interesting little “piece” especially focusing on the year. Sixty nine is a number favoured by all old Matelots like me, always has been, always will be. However, there is a slight error because, before it became the Sri Lanka Navy, in 1950, the C.R.N.V.R. (Ceylon Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve), the Navy I joined, was proudly called the “Royal Ceylon Navy”. We came directly under the Q.R.& A.I (Queen’s Regulations & Admirality Instructions), as set out by Britain, who “ruled” Ceylon, until they granted the Country independence in 1948. Shortly after, the Royal Ceylon Navy was “gifted” it’s first Ship, Her Majesty’s Ceylon Ship, Vijaya, by Britain. I joined H.M,Cy.S Gemunu, our main Shore  Base, at the time, in 1953. My Official Number E635 meant that I was the 635th man in the R.Cy.Navy.            The name ...