Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy embarks on official visit to India at invitation of Indian Navy
The Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando concluded a three-day official visit to India, held at the invitation of the Indian Navy. Vice Admiral Fernando returned to Sri Lanka today, 30 August 2026 after holding a series of strategic-level discussions with senior Indian defence and military officials.
On 27 August, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour on his arrival at the Indian Naval Headquarters at South Block in New Delhi. He was subsequently received by the Chief of the Naval Staff of India, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, for an official meeting.
The two sides discussed ways to further strengthen maritime security cooperation between the two navies in support of security in the Indian Ocean region. They also exchanged views on expanding training opportunities and capacity-building programmes, as well as other areas of bilateral importance.
During his visit to New Delhi, Vice Admiral Fernando also held official discussions with India's Chief of Defence Staff, General N.S. Raja Subramani, Defence Secretary Mr. Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit and defence industry representatives. Discussions at these meetings focused on bilateral defence cooperation, joint training programmes, and opportunities to enhance air and maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
As part of efforts to further expand cooperation in naval training and professional development, Vice Admiral Fernando also met with Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of India's Southern Naval Command, at its headquarters in Kochi, Kerala. The two sides discussed existing naval training exchange programmes and opportunities for introducing and expanding further training initiatives. The meeting followed the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy’s visit to INS Dronacharya, the Indian Navy’s training establishment where he previously completed the Long Gunnery and Missile Course.
The visit is expected to contribute to closer diplomatic and defence relations between Sri Lanka and India, while creating further opportunities for capacity development and training for the Sri Lanka Navy. As key stakeholders for security in the Indian Ocean, greater cooperation between the two navies is also expected to support continued efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.