Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Visits Southern Naval Command, Kochi

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Commander of Sri Lanka Navy along with delegation is on a three-day official visit to Southern Naval Command, Kochi and Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala from 25-27 May 23. During the visit, Commander of Sri Lanka Navy interacted with Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, Flag Officer Commanding- in-Chief Southern Naval Command and held discussions on wide ranging issues of collaboration with the Sri Lankan Navy towards consolidation of strong and friendly maritime cooperation in line with India's vision of SAGAR and 'Neighbourhood First' policy. He also interacted with Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Sea Training and laid emphasis on continued engagement on varied aspects of sea training between the two Navies.

The Commander of Sri Lankan Navy visited various Training establishments of Southern Naval Command at Kochi and interacted with the Sri Lankan trainees undergoing courses. He also witnessed state of the art training infrastructure, facilities and demonstration on simulators. Visit to Diving School was a nostalgic dive into the past, way back in 1994 when he completed his Clearance Diving Course as a young Lieutenant. Reunion with his dive buddy, Commodore CP Sudhakar and instructor, Captain Sanjay Kadian after nearly three decades at the school was a special moment.

Later in the day, in a ceremony onboard Sri Lankan Naval Ship Gajabahu at Kochi, spares for Sri Lankan Navy were handed over by Flag Officer Commanding-in- Chief Southern Naval Command to the Commander of Sri Lanka Navy. These spares would be ferried by SLNS Gajabahu from Kochi to Sri Lanka. 

The Commander of Sri Lanka Navy proceeded to Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala where he will be presiding over the Passing Out Parade of the Spring Term- 23. The extant visit reaffirms Indian Navy's significant association with Sri Lankan Navy and engagement towards enhancing the existing relations.