Sri Lanka Navy ship arrives for goodwill visit

April 25, 2019

An Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Sri Lanka Navy arrived in Manila on Thursday.

Capt. Jonathan Zata, Philippine Navy spokesman, said upon their arrival at Pier 15 in South Harbor PN delegates, headed by the Chief of Staff, Philippine Fleet, Captain Florante Gagua, accorded the visiting navy a welcome ceremony followed by a press and port briefing related to health and security aboard their vessel.

“The Sri Lanka delegation is headed by Captain Abeysinghe Arachchige Anura Rohitha Abeysinghe, the ship’s commanding officer,” he said.

Zata said in his statement, “Captain Gagua warmly welcomed the SLN delegation and highlighted the significance of the visit.

“The arrival of our Sri Lanka Navy counterparts underscores the continuing efforts to strengthen the relationship between our governments and navies. This will enhance and sustain the promotion of peace, stability, and maritime cooperation through naval diplomacy,” Gagua said.

Zata said Abeysinghe also “conveyed his appreciation for the warm welcome of the PN and expressed keenness in the scheduled engagements between the two navies during their stay in Manila.”

During the visit that will last until April 28, Zata said “Abeysinghe and party are scheduled to pay courtesy call to the Flag Officer in Command, PN, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad at the PN Headquarters in Roxas Blvd., Manila.”

Lined up are confidence-building engagements between the Philippine and Sri Lankan navies such as shipboard tour and friendly games,” he said.

Zata said this is the first goodwill visit of a Sri Lanka ship in the country since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1961. Robina Asido/DMS