SLNS Sindurala returns home after month-long naval exercise – KAKADU 2018
 

On completion of the longest sea passage for a naval exercise of the Sri Lanka Navy, SLNS “Sindurala” returned home yesterday (24^th September). Having covered 6,646 nautical miles of a sea passage the ship arrived at the Colombo harbour where she was warmly welcomed in compliance with naval traditions. Sri Lanka Naval Ship “Sindurala” left Trincomalee harbour on 20^th August for Australia to participate in the Naval Exercise KAKADU 2018, the biennial exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Navy.

The multilateral naval exercise KAKADU 2018 kicked off on 30^th August and ended on 16^th September along the Darwin beach area in Australia and it performed a wide range of air and maritime combined naval activities, including screen play, OOW manoeuvres, surface firing, anti-air gunnery practices, replenishment at sea and anchoring and formation anchoring. This premier exercise promoted a greater level of military cooperation and understanding amongst navies, also paving the way to enhance security and surveillance of our maritime zone.

Further, this exercise organized by the Australian Navy was well supported by the Australian Air Force. Meanwhile, navies from 27 countries including Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Chile, Canada, China, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, and Vietnam took part in this year’s exercise with 24 ships and 21 air craft.

Barring the naval exercises, KAKADU 2018 also featured sporting events such as swim, run, dry obstacle, kayak leg, wet obstacle and cultural events presented by respective countries. Displaying Sri Lanka Navy’s talents in front of the international arena, the team “Sindurala” secured the 3rd place in sports events.