The Indian Navy’s “First Training Squadron”  which is comprised of Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tir, INS Sujatha and Coast Guard Ship Varuna, arrived at the Port of Colombo today (15) on a training visit. 

The Indian Naval Ships were ceremonially welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions on their arrival, the SLN media unit said. 

Meanwhile, Captain C.R Ayyar, Commander S Muthukrishnan and Commandant ICGS Varuna, B Ranjan called on the Deputy Area Commander Western Naval Area, Commodore Senarath Wijesuriya at the Western Naval Command Headquarters in Colombo. 

“They held cordial discussions on matters of mutual interest and bilateral importance. Mementos were also exchanged to mark the occasion,” it said in a statement.

Further, arrangements have been made to carry out branch specific training programmes, covering a wide spectrum of activities, for the Sri Lankan naval personnel onboard “ÏNS Sujata” and Coast Guard Ship “Varuna”. The primary aim of “First Training Squadron” is to impart sea training to Indian naval and coast guard officer under trainees. 

However, it has also been providing training to personnel of friendly foreign navies for over four decades up to now. The three Indian ships are scheduled to depart Sri Lanka on 19th April 2016 having conducted a joint-naval exercise (PASSEX) with the Sri Lanka Navy.