Indian, Lankan Navies working closely to strengthen security - Vice Admiral Samarasinghe

Sandasen Marasinghe

Navy Commander Vice Admiral. Thisara Samarasinghe said yesterday that the Sri Lankan and Indian Navies are working closely to strengthen security in the seas to counter any possible revival of terrorism. He made this observation at a press conference at the Navy Headquarters after calling on Indian Navy Chief of Naval Staff Nirmal Verma who is on a goodwill visit to Sri Lanka.

This is Admiral Verma’s first official visit since assuming duties as Navy Commander.

The Indian Navy Ship “INS Delhi” also docked at the Colombo Port on Sunday to coincide with Admiral Verma’s visit.

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe said the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies have maintained a close relationship.

The Indian Navy extended remarkable support to Sri Lanka in our fight against terrorism.

The Navy has provided two Naval ships to Sri Lanka.

Vice Admiral Samarasinghe thanked the Indian Navy for providing Naval courses to senior officers saying that he too had followed three such courses, including the National Defence Course in India. Vice Admiral Samarasinghe paid a courtesy call on the Indian Navy ship ‘INS Delhi’ and was received by the Admiral Verma.

The Indian and Sri Lankan Navy Chiefs have over the years jointly participated in a number of prestigious maritime defence fora which include the 19th Sea Power Symposium at the Naval War College in the US and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium in the UAE.

Admiral Verma during his visit here will grace Naval officers Passing out Parade to be held at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee.