SLINEX 2015 Concludes Successfully

The Sri Lanka Navy and Indian Navy Exercise (SLINEX 2015) concluded successfully on 01st November 2015 in Trincomalee. The joint naval exercise enabled both Navies to rehearse and improve own capabilities and enhance operational effectiveness required to maintain maritime security in the region by integrating forces.

The events of the final day were witnessed by the Secretary, Ministry of Defence Mr. Karunasena Hettiarachchi, The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke, the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Crishantha De Silva, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne and the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Gagan Bulathsinghala who came aboard Sri Lanka Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Sayura. The Deputy Chief of Staff and Commander Eastern Naval Area, the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Fleet and the Director General Operations were also present onboard directing the final day’s activities which included the swapping of Officer in Tactical Command between the two Navy’s senior ships, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations, Surface Action Group drills, Asymmetric Warfare demonstrations and helicopter operations.

Sri Lanka Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessels Sayura, Samudura and Sagara, Fast Missile Vessel, Nandimitra, Fast Gun Boats, Ranajaya, Ranarisi and six Fast Attack Craft including two Super Dvora MK IIIs and Indian Navy’s missile corvettes, INS Kora and Kirpan, Offshore Patrol Vessel, Savitri along with a maritime reconnaissance helicopter taking part in the multi-dimensional exercise. The 6-day exercise commenced with a Harbour Phase during which the participants were engaged in professional cultural and social interactions. It was followed by a sea phase that included anti-piracy exercises, main armament firing exercises, replenishment at sea, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, towing, cross-deck helicopter operations and anti-surface exercises.