SLNS Sayurala takes part in multilateral naval exercise MILAN-2022

Sri Lanka Navy Ship (SLNS) Sayurala took part in the multilateral naval exercise, MILAN-2022 hosted by the Indian Navy. The 11th edition of MILAN was held at the Visakhapatnam Port and in the eastern seas of India from 25th February to 04th March 2022.

The theme of this year’s edition was ‘Camaraderie Cohesion Collaboration’. Navies and maritime partners from many regional and extra-regional countries took part in this multilateral naval exercise. Making the presence of the Sri Lanka Navy at MILAN, SLNS Sayurala arrived at the Visakhapatnam Port on 24th February.

MILAN-2022 had been organized as two phases and the Harbour Phase of it was conducted at the Visakhapatnam Port from 25th to 28th February. In this segment of the exercise Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sajith Gamage and Commanding Officer SLNS Sayurala, Captain Jayantha Bandara who represented the Sri Lanka Navy called on Chief of Naval Staff of India, Admiral R Hari Kumar. The Indian Navy Chief welcomed them warmly and they exchanged views on several matters of bilateral importance. Mementoes were also exchanged to mark the significance of this occasion.

One of the main features of the Harbour Phase was MILAN-2022 International Maritime Seminar. Representing the Sri Lanka Navy at the Maritime Seminar, Rear Admiral Sajith Gamage presented his paper on the topic of ‘Overcoming Non-Traditional Threats at Sea: A Collaborative Approach’.

In conjunction with the MILAN 2022, the crew of SLNS Sayurala participated in various events organized to further enhance cooperation and friendship among the participating stakeholders. Accordingly, SLNS Sayurala crew participated in the International City Parade, which showcased the cultural diversity of the participant countries, and opened a stall to exhibit local cuisine. The Navy Band and Cultural Troupe also enthralled the viewers with their dazzling performances on these occasions.

Meanwhile, the Sea Phase of MILAN-2022 was held from 01st to 04th March 2022 off eastern seas of India. A total of 26 ships, 21 aircraft and one submarine participated in this phase. The Sea Phase included advanced and complex exercises in all three dimensions of maritime operations and aimed at enhancing interoperability, maritime cooperation and share best practices amongst participating navies. Weapon firings, advanced anti-submarine warfare exercises, cross deck helicopter landings, simulation of complex operational scenarios and tactical manoeuvres were also exercised during the Sea Phase.

Further, SLNS Sayurala will also join the annual 'SLINEX’ bilateral naval exercise between the Sri Lanka Navy and the Indian Navy after the conclusion of MILAN-2022. 'SLINEX ' is scheduled to be held from 07th to 10th March 2022.

Participating in this nature of naval exercises will help the Sri Lanka Navy develop mutual cooperation with regional and extra-regional navies and other partners interested in maritime security. Moreover, such engagements open up a plethora of opportunities to exchange best practices on operations, strategies and experience as well as to collectively seek solutions for new challenges. Besides, such multilateral naval exercises will greatly assist in maintaining maritime security in the Indian Ocean region as well.