Sayura and Sagara leave for Indo-Lanka Joint Naval Exercise (SLINEX 2017)
 

Sri Lanka Naval Ships, Sayura and Sagara left Trincomalee today (04 September 2017) for India to participate in the Sri Lanka Navy and Indian Navy Exercise, SLINEX 2017. They were accorded a formal farewell in accordance with naval traditions as they left the harbour. The Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Nimal Sarathsena, the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Fleet, Rear Admiral Kapila Samaraweera and several senior naval officers were also present on the occasion. The two naval ships are scheduled to arrive at the Port of Visakhapatnam on 06th September.

A complement of 368 SLN personnel comprising 43 naval officers and 60 mid-shipmen are taking part in the biennial joint naval exercise conducted from 07th to 14th September. SLINEX 2017 focuses on fleet work, seamanship, communication, replenishment at sea, Visit Board Search and Seize (VBSS) operations as well as helicopter operations.

The Indian Navy reflecting the long-existing bilateral relations extends its assistance to the Sri Lankan Navy, strengthening the bonds of friendship. Joint naval operations enable both Navies to rehearse and improve own capabilities and enhance operational effectiveness required to maintain maritime security in the region.