The South African Navy Ship ‘Spioenkop’ and two Royal Omani Navy Ships ‘Al Shamikh’ and ‘Al Seeb’ arrived at the Port of Colombo today (12) on a goodwill visit. 

The South African Valour class frigate was ceremonially welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions on her arrival.

SAS ‘Spioenkop’ is enroute to Goa to take part in a Multinational Naval Exercise, IBSAMAR, involving the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa, after having participated in the International Fleet Review, hosted by the Indian Navy in Vishakhapatnam from 4th to 8th February 2016.
 
The Commanding Officer, Captain M.A. Boucher paid a courtesy call on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Jayantha De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters in Colombo. They held cordial discussions and exchanged mementos to mark the occasion.
 
The South African Naval ship will stay in Colombo Harbour till 15th February and the ship’s complement is due to participate in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to strengthen the mutual relations during their stay in Sri Lanka. An “Open Day” will also be held onboard ‘Spioenkop’ to enhance the inter-personal interaction between the SLN and SAN personnel.

The two Royal Omani Navy Ships, ‘Al Shamikh’ and ‘Al Seeb’ arrived at the Port of Colombo today on a goodwill and replenishment visit. The ships were ceremonially welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions on their arrival.

The naval ships are on their way to the home port after participating in the bilateral Indian Navy-Omani Navy exercise, ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ conducted in the Arabian Sea from 22nd January to 9th February. The ships will stay in Colombo Harbour until 13th February.