Boost for Lanka, India Naval ties

Visiting Indian Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday morning.

Indian Navy assistance towards the modernisation of the Kankesanthurai harbour and related research and exploration work was discussed at length during the meeting, a press release issued by the President's Media Division added.

The release said talks also centred round co-operation and training programs between the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies and the exchange of officers and sailors under the training programs. It was also agreed to undertake a feasibility study on starting a shipping service between Colombo and Tuticorin ports and a boat service between Talaimannar and Rameswaran. Admiral Nirmal Verma said President Rajapaksa's recent visit to India had helped further cement and strengthen the longstanding mutual friendship and relations between India and Sri Lanka.

He said this will see a further strengthening of co-operation and goodwill between the Indian and Sri Lanka Navies. Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, Rear Admiral Dharma Siriwardena and Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha were also present on the occasion.