Two (02) JMSDF ships arrive at port of Colombo

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships ‘Kaga’ and ‘Ikazuchi’ arrived at the port of Colombo on a two-day goodwill visit today (23^rd September 2020).

The JMSDF ship ‘Kaga’ - a multi-purpose operation destroyer, is 248m in length and is manned by 380 crew members. Meanwhile, the JMSDF ship ‘Ikazuchi’ – a destroyer class ship, is a 151m long platform manned by a crew of 170.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy and Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sumith Weerasinghe met with the Flag Officer aboard ‘JS Kaga’, Rear Admiral Konno Yasushige, at the pier side Colombo harbour. Mementoes were also exchanged, in compliance with naval traditions to mark this occasion. Further, the Commanding Officers of 'JS Kaga', ‘JS Ikazuchi’ as well as SLNS 'Gajabahu' were present on this occasion and mementoes had also been exchanged among them. The customary proceedings on the occasion were held maintaining social distancing, adhering to the health guidelines stipulated for the prevention of COVID -19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the two ships are scheduled to conduct a naval exercise with Sri Lanka Navy ships before they set sail from the island on 24^th September 2020.