SLNS ‘Sindurala’ and ‘Suranimila’ leave for India to take part in SLINEX 2019

Following the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, Sri Lanka Navy Ships, ‘Sindurala’ and ‘Suranimila’ left Trincomalee today (05^th September) for India to participate in the Sri Lanka Navy and Indian Navy Exercise (SLINEX 2019). The two ships departed the harbour amidst formal naval traditions.

Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Merril Wickramasinghe, Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Fleet, Rear Admiral Upul De Silva and several senior naval officers were also present on the occasion. Meanwhile, the Commander Eastern Naval Area extended best wishes to the two Commanding Officers of the ships; Captain Nalin Nawarathna, Captain Sanjeewa Premarathna and crews of both ships. The two naval ships are scheduled to arrive at the Port of Visakhapatnam on 07^th September.

The joint naval exercise is scheduled to be held in India from 07^th to 12^th of September. It will be attended by 323 SLN personnel including the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Fleet, Rear Admiral Upul De Silva. The exercise features wide ranging naval exercises including helicopter operations.

This exercise signifies the desire of both countries to enhance co-operation and to further strengthen mutual trust and interoperability between the two navies. Further, it will enable both navies to rehearse and improve own capabilities and enhance operational effectiveness required to maintain maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.