Foreign warships taking part in sail past:

Testimony to Navy’s role

Foreign Navy Commanders and representatives of 21 navies arrived in Sri Lanka to participate in the Sri Lanka Navy’s 60th anniversary celebrations. War ships from China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and Russia arrived in the island to take part in this historic event. Sending of their ships for this event by the two

veto holding nations, Russia and China, was a significant feature. It manifests the strong foreign relations Sri Lanka has with other countries and also bears testimony to the important role played by the Sri Lanka Navy towards the strengthening of Sri Lanka’s foreign relations.

Meanwhile the International Sail Past held in view of the Sri Lanka Navy’s 60th Anniversary was held on December 11. Commander, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was the chief guest. Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonathilaka and Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya were among the guests.

Eight naval ships from Bangladesh (BNS Umar Farooq), China (Lanzhou), India (INS Mysore and INS Tarangini), Iran (IRIS Alvand, Pakistan (PNS Zulfiqar), Russia (Admiral Vinogradov) and Thailand (HTMS Chonbury) Navies joined their Sri Lankan counterparts SLNS Samudura, Sayurala, Suranimala, Nandimithra, Shakthi, Prathapa, Jayasagara and Ranawickrama to sail in formations to mark Sri Lanka Navy’s Diamond Jubilee.

The locally made highly efficient arrow Boats of the Navy’s Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS), Wave rider craft, Fast Attack Craft, Dvoras and also the Jet Liner passenger craft took part in the formations.

After emerging victorious from a three decade old conflict Sri Lanka has embarked on a new journey to become the Miracle of Asia. Turning a new leaf in the annals of Naval history, Sri Lanka Navy has conducted a series of events with the participation of International Navies to celebrate its 60th Anniversary. The Sri Lanka Navy’s transmission from a fighting Navy to a conventional Navy has been smooth and quick which has enabled it, not only to keep vigil but also render its invaluable service in the rebuilding of the motherland.

The International Sail Past was held in the waters of the Indian Ocean off Galle Face Green. The foreign ships began their journey home soon after the Sail Past.