INDIA. Mumbai: Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, embarked on a five-day official visit to India, during which he participated in various functions and engaged in discussions with high-ranking officials.
On May 23, he presided over the Passing Out Parade of the “Spring Term-2023” at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, located in Kerala. The academy serves as a defense service training establishment for the officer cadre of the Indian Naval Service.
On May 24, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera called on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar in New Delhi. They held discussions focused on collaborative mechanisms aimed at ensuring peace and security in the region. The Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy was warmly received with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns. Additionally, he paid tribute to the Bravehearts at the National War Memorial in New Delhi earlier in the day, as stated in an official statement.
This visit by the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy signifies the growing naval cooperation between the two countries. It reaffirms the commitment of these friendly maritime neighbors to strengthen security measures and address the maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean Region. Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera’s official visit will conclude on Saturday, May 27.
India and Sri Lanka share a historically significant relationship, and both nations have actively worked to reinforce their existing ties. In accordance with India’s “Neighborhood First Policy” and the maritime outlook of “Security and Growth for All in the Region,” India and Sri Lanka have significantly expanded their interactions in the maritime domain.
The Indian Navy collaborates with the Sri Lanka Navy through various initiatives, including operational interactions such as the bilateral Indian-Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime Exercise (SLINEX), hydrography, training, and other maritime endeavors. Additionally, warships from both navies regularly make port calls at each other’s ports.
The 10th Edition of SLINEX-2023 took place in Colombo last month, encompassing two phases lasting three days each: the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase. The Indian Naval Ships INS Kiltan and INS Saavitri participated in the exercise.
Furthermore, Indian Navy’s Chetak helicopter and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, alongside Sri Lankan Air Force Dornier and BEL 412 helicopters, were also involved. During the harbour phase, both Indian Naval ships were open to visitors, attracting a footfall of 500 visitors, including school children.
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