SLNS Samudura arrives the island after taking part in ‘AMAN’ - 2023

Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Samudura which took part in the multinational naval exercise ‘AMAN’ arrived the island on successful completion of the exercise today (20th February 2023). Upon her arrival, the Navy welcomed the ship in compliance with naval traditions at the Port of Colombo. The Pakistan Navy hosted ‘AMAN’ – 2023 for the eighth (08th) time and the theme of the exercise this time around was ‘Together for Peace and Security’.

The multinational naval exercise ‘AMAN’ was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan and Arabian Sea from 10th to 14th February 2023. Special Force personnel as well as naval and air assets from 50 countries augmented this year’s exercise. On behalf of Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet Rear Admiral Nishantha Amarosa attended ‘AMAN’ – 2023 where he also called on the Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan Navy Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi. Moreover, the Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan Navy took time off to visit SLNS Samudura and shared a light moment with the Commanding Officer of the ship. This significant occasion was marked by exchange of mementoes.

‘AMAN’ is primarily focused on maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean region and it encompassed both Harbour and Sea Phases. SLNS Samudura took part in a series of naval exercises including maritime security, counter piracy and humanitarian assistance, Replenishment at Sea (RAS), Manoeuvres and Formation, Firing Practices and Visit Board Search & Seizure (VBSS) exercises in ‘AMAN’ – 2023.

Taking part in this nature of naval exercises would open new avenues to the Sri Lanka Navy to build inter-operability with regional and extra-regional partners, exchange best practices and procedures in maritime operations, identify new challenges in maritime domain and collectively find solutions to overcome those issues.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director Naval Operations Captain Ashoka Weerasekara was present at the Port of Colombo as SLNS Samudura arrived the island. Signifying this occasion, Commanding Officer of the Ship Captain DMDC Bandara presented a memento to Deputy Director Naval Operations.