SLNS Samudura returns after Exercise Dosti – XVI

Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Samudura today (29th February 2024) returned at the port of Trincomalee, after taking part in the Exercise Dosti – XVI. The trilateral exercise ‘Dosti’ was held in Male from 22nd to 25th February, with the participation of Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Indian Coast Guard and Maldives National Defence Force.

The trilateral exercise ‘Dosti’ aimed to enhance cooperation, strengthen friendship, improve mutual operational capability, and develop interoperability among the Coast Guard personnel of India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.

With a team of Sri Lanka Coast Guard personnel, SLNS Samudura took part in the Exercise Dosti – XVI. In addition, Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samarth and ICGS Abhinav along with a Dornier aircraft and a Chetak helicopter as well as Maldivian Coast Guard Ship (MCGS) Huravee and MCGS Ghazee also augmented the exercise.

Dosti – XVI involved a variety of activities such as Medical Evacuation, Visit Board Search & Seizure & Piracy, Search and Rescue Drill and Steam Past.

On the sidelines of the exercise, the Commanding Officer SLNS Samudura, Captain Nalinda Kumara met with the Commandant of Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard, Colonel Mohamed Saleem and held cordial discussions.

Exercises of this nature, will promote increased collaboration, the sharing of new knowledge and experiences, and the development of united solutions to emerging maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.