Exercise KAKADU 18 begins in Darwin, Australia
 

Exercise KAKADU 18 is a multilateral regional maritime exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Navy with the participation of many other regional countries. The opening ceremony of KAKADU 18 was held on 31^st August 2018 onboard the flagship of Royal Australian Naval fleet HMAS Canberra (L 02) in Darwin, Australia. Rear Admiral Jonathan Dallas Mead-Commander Australian Fleet graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. SLNS ‘Sindurala’ is taking part in the exercise, making it the longest passage for a naval exercise out of the country. The opening ceremony was graced by a large number of high ranking officers from the participating countries. Rear Admiral Sujeewa Perera, Commander Northwestern Naval Area was also present on the occasion representing the Sri Lanka Navy.

Meanwhile, the Sports Day of the Exercise KAKADU 2018 was conducted at Darwin Water Front in Australia yesterday (02^nd September2018). Twenty eight (28) teams representing different countries participated in the event and each team consisted of 12 participants. Two officers and ten sailors represented the team ‘SLNS Sindurala’ and all individual participants completed the assigned tasks, leaving final timing to be considered for the selection of the winner.

The challenges included a swim, run, dry obstacle, kayak leg and wet obstacle. After the successful completion of all events, team ‘SLNS Sindurala’ secured the 3rd place, with the timing of 7 min and 52 sec, from rest of the 28 teams. Meanwhile, the Indian team secured the winning position (7 min and 25 sec) and Philippine Navy become the runners up (7 min and 45 sec) of the event. As such, the Sports Day came to a close highlighting the undying team spirit, moral and enthusiasm of the participants.

Exercise KAKADU commenced in 1993 and this year’s event is the 14th edition of the exercise. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Navy is attending the exercise for the first time since its commencement. This is the Royal Australian Navy’s premier regional maritime engagement and it includes a harbour phase and a sea phase from 31^st August 2018 to 15^th September 2018, providing an opportunity for regional nations to strengthen effective security and humanitarian partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.