Sri Lanka Navy Ship (SLNS) Sayurala, which left for Thailand on 09 November to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) International Fleet Review 2017, returned to the port of Colombo yesterday (28) after a successful tour of 21 days.

The ship was welcomed in compliance with naval traditions and the occasion was also attended by the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Niraja Attygalle and a group of senior naval officers. Subsequently, a cordial discussion was held focusing on the progress of the tour and activities conducted during the visit.

As part of the tour events, the Fleet Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Rear Admiral Kapila Samaraweera and Commanding Officer SLNS Sayurala, Captain Nishantha Amarosa met the Mayor of Pattaya, Police Major General Anan Charoenchasri on 17 November 2017. During the interactions held, they shared views on matters of bilateral importance and exchanged mementoes to signify the occasion.

On the same day, the two senior officers also called on the Commander in Chief Royal Thai Fleet Admiral Rungsarit Sattayanukul at the Royal Thai Fleet Headquarters. The SLN officers received a warm welcome upon their arrival. 
Afterwards, they also took part in the official ceremony which was attended by a host of senior naval officers and diplomats represented the event across from the globe.

The International Fleet Review got underway off the coast of Pattaya, Thailand on 20 November in the presence of Thailand Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Commander in Chief Royal Thai Fleet and Mayor of Chonburi. SLNS Sayurala took part in the Fleet Review with its crew including the Fleet Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Rear Admiral Kapila Samaraweera, Commanding Officer SLNS Sayurala, Captain Nishantha Amarosa and Executive Officer, Commander Chaminda Karunasena.

This International Fleet Review was held in Pattaya, Thailand from 18 to 21 November, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Twenty six (26) naval ships representing 19 Southeast Asian Nations took part in the Fleet Review and related naval exercises.

SLNS Sayurala that joined the SLN fleet recently, took part in this tour making it her first sea voyage to foreign shores. Further it remains to be the longest foreign tour (21 days) an SLN Ship undertook after the year 1965. The ship’s crew comprised of 127 members including 18 officers.

- Sri Lanka Navy