IRINS Bushehr and Tonb depart island after concluding their formal visit

IRINS Bushehr and Tonb, the two Iranian Naval Ships which arrived in Colombo on 16th February 2024, departed the island today (19th February) on successful completion of their formal visit. The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ships at the port of Colombo, in accordance with naval traditions.

The Commanding Officers of the ships, Commander MAHDI BALVARDI (IRINS Bushehr) and MOHAMMAD HAJI ZADEH (IRINS Tonb) called on Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Saman Perera at the Western Naval Command Headquarters and Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Nishantha Peiris at the Navy Headquarters. On completion of these discussions, they exchanged mementoes, to mark the importance of those occasions.

Meanwhile, a group of Officer Cadets from the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University had the opportunity to visit the duo of Iranian naval ships at the port of Colombo. Crew members of the ships also visited the National Defence College, Defence Services Command and Staff College and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.

In addition, personnel from the two Iranian naval ships took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, with a view to promoting camaraderie and goodwill between the two navies. They also took time off to visit some of the tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the Secretary Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) and Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera also visited the two ships.