Three Russian Naval ships arrive in Colombo
 

The Russian Naval ships; Varyag, Admiral Panteleev and Boris Butoma arrived at the port of Colombo on a goodwill visit today (20th December). Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the trio of ships in accordance with naval traditions, upon their arrival.

The ship Varyag is a187m long platform with a crew of 529. Meanwhile, Admiral Panteleev is 162.8m in length and manned by 388 naval personnel. The Russian Naval ship Boris Butoma is occupied 75 officers and sailors and the ship is a 161.1m long platform.

Subsequently, the Commander of the Squadron Rear Admiral Eduard Mihailov along with the Commanding Officers of the three ships; Captain Yurievich Ulyanenko, Captain Vitalievich Antsiferov and Captain Alexandrovich Bondar called on Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne at the Western Naval Command Headquarters and held cordial discussions. Mementoes were also exchanged to mark the importance of the occasion. A group of officials attached to the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka was also present on this occasion. Thereupon, Commander Western Naval Area took time off to visit the ships moored at the Colombo harbour.

During the four-day official visit, the ships’ crew members are scheduled to take part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy and visit some popular tourist attractions. The trio of ships is due to set sail from the Colombo harbour on 24th of this month.