State Minister of Defence visits JMSDF Flag Ship Izumo
 

The State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardena paid a visit onboard JMSDF Izumo, the Flag Ship of Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, today (July, 21). Two vessels of the JMSDF including Izumo, made a goodwill visit at the Colombo harbour yesterday. The occasion was also attended by the Secretary to the Ministry Defence Mr. Kapila Waidyarathne, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Kenichi Suganuma, a Japanese delegation and a host of senior officers from the Naval Headquarters.

The State Minister of Defence and distinguished invitees were warmly received onboard ship by Hon. Deputy Minister of Defense in Japan Mr. Hiroyuki Miyazawa and they were also accorded with a Guard of Honour. The Commander of Escort Flotilla One, Rear Admiral Yoshihiro Goka, Commanding Officers of the JMSDF Izumo and Sazanami, Captain Yoshihiro Kai and the Commander Hirotaka Okubura and the crew of Izumo were also present on the occasion.

Subsequently, the State Minister of Defence flanked by rest of the invited dignitaries made a visit onboard ship. The Commanding Officer of JMSDF Izumo, Captain Yoshihiro Kai briefed the visiting dignitaries on a range of aspects including the structure and operational capabilities of the ship. Following the exchange of mementoes to signify this occasion, the distinguished guests posed for a group photograph as well.