A grand reception held onboard JMSDF “Kashima”
 

A trio of Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) Ships; “Kashima”, “Setoyuki” and “Asagiri” arrived in Sri Lanka on a five day goodwill visit on 7th October 2016. Displaying their warm hospitality, a grand reception was held onboard “Kashima” this afternoon (9). Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Japanese Ambassador in Sri Lanka, His Excellency Kenichi Suganuma, Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Jayantha De Silva, Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Dharmendra Wettewa and several senior officers also attended the reception organized onboard.

The dignitaries were accorded with a Guard of Honour upon their arrival and were warmly welcomed by Commander Japan Training Squadron, Rear Admiral Hidetoshi Iwasaki and three Commanding Officers of the ships. Further they held cordial discussions on matters of bilateral importance as well. Meanwhile the Japanese Naval Officers hosted a lunch for the distinguished guests. Subsequently, Commander of the Navy took time off to address the trainees of three Japanese ships. Mementos were also exchanged to mark the significance of the occasion.