CONEX 19 inaugurated onboard Sindurala.
 

The Colombo Naval Exercise 2019 (CONEX 19) was inaugurated onboard SLNS Sindurala this morning (26^th January) under the patronage of Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Rear Admiral Ananda Guruge. Sri Lanka Navy intends to conduct CONEX as an annual exercise of the sea going force from this year onwards. The first edition of the exercise that commenced today will come to a close on 29^th of this month. Director Naval Operation, Commodore Sanjeewa Dias, Commanding Officer 04^th Fast Attack Craft Flotilla (FAF4), Captain Sanjeewa Premarathna, Commanding Officers of participating ships and the officers of the Sri Lanka Air Force and Sri Lanka Coast Guard also attended the inaugural ceremony.

Addressing at the inaugural session, Rear Admiral Ananda Guruge warmly welcomed all naval and Air Force personnel who are taking part in CONEX 19 and expressed that these naval exercise serials would increase the professionalism of the participants. Accordingly, the officers of the Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard held further discussion on the sea phase of the exercise.

The CONEX 19 is complemented by both Harbour and Sea Phases in which a wide range of naval exercises including; passage through mined waters, Replenishment at Sea (RAS) approaches, Towing Exercises (TOWEX) and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises are scheduled to be carried out. The sea phase of CONEX 19 will kick off tomorrow (27^th January) in the seas off Colombo.