SLNS Sagara and SLNS Suranimala, Naval ships belonging to the SL Navy which left the island for India on 6th Oct, reached the Cochin harbour in India on 8th Oct, and the ships were welcomed by the Indian Navy in compliance with naval traditions. 

Defence Attaché of the Sri Lankan High Commission in India Captain Suresh de Silva was also present on this occasion, stated the SL Navy.

Later on, Captain Janaka Nissanka Commanding officer of SLNS Sagara and Captain Chandima Silva, Commanding Officer of SLNS Suranimala met the Chief of Staff of the Southern Naval Command of Indian Navy Rear Admiral AK Nathkarani, Flag Officer Training Rear Admiral K Swaminadan and the Senior Officers of the Indian Navy and held cordial discussions. Further, Captain Nissanka joined in an observation visit to the maintenance unit of the Air Wing of Indian Navy.

During their visit, the crew members of the ships got an opportunity to visit the specific schools of the Indian Navy including Navigation school, ASW school, Communication school, Gunnery school and the Aviation school. This school visit paved way for the Sri Lankan trainee officers to learn and experience the modern technology used by Indian Navy.

In addition, Sri Lankan Naval personnel participated in several naval exercises and they gained new knowledge through the programmes related to disaster management and climate change. A joint cultural show was also staged and it was commended by the Senior Officers of both countries. Making the trainee officers an opportunity to display their talents a friendly football match was also played.

The two Naval ships which set sail for Sri Lanka from Cochin harbour participated in joint Naval exercise with INS Sharda. During this exercise joint ship handling, Searching suspicious ships, Communication signals and Ceremonials were rehearsed. Accordingly, the ships reached Colombo harbour on completion of their tour successfully on 12th October.