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| Friday, 17 December 2004 |
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First joint Indo-Sri Lanka naval exercise: Important milestone in India-Sri Lanka Naval history by Ranil Wijayapala Sri Lanka and India marked an important milestone in the Naval history of the two countries yesterday by completing the first ever joint operation code named Eksath by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. The joint operation Eksath was conducted in the west coast of Sri Lanka off Colombo with the participation of ships, reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters of the Indian Coast Guard and the Off Patrol Vessels and Fast Attack Craft of the Sri Lanka Navy. According to the Sri Lanka Navy, this historic joint Naval exercise will be important to both countries for improving each other's Naval activities in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka Navy Off Petrol Vessels Sayura and Jayasagara and Indian Coast Guard OPVs Saranga and Durghabai Deshmuk along with four Fast Attack Craft participated in this joint Naval exercise. Indian Coast Guard helicopter Chatak and reconnaissance aircraft Dornier participated in this Naval exercise focused on rescue operations. Director General of Indian Coast Guard Vice Admiral A.K. Sing AVSM, NM arrived in Sri Lanka on December 13 to formulate proceedings with regard to the exercise. Defence Secretary Asoka Jayawardhana, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and Law and Order Tilak Ranaviraja, Chief of Defence Staff, Indian High Commissioner Nirupama Rao and Navy Commander Vice Admiral Daya Sandagiri witnessed the joint exercise from the Indian Coast Guard OPV Durgabhai Deshmuk yesterday. Navy Commander Vice Admiral Daya Sandagiri told reporters last week this will be the first step by the Navy to strengthen Naval ties between the two countries. He said the two countries will further strengthen ties by arranging another naval exercise with the participation of the two Navies. The Indian Vice Admiral called on the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Daya Sandagiri at the Navy Headquarters, Commander of the Army Shantha Kottegoda and Commander of the Air Force Donald Perera at the Army Headquarters and Air Force Headquarters. |
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