Cooperation and collaboration for regional security: Sri Lankan Navy Commander’s India visit to foster closer maritime ties

Sri Lankan Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera’s ongoing visit to India aims to deepen maritime connections between the two countries and highlights their shared commitment to maintaining security in the region.

On Wednesday (May 24, 2023), he met Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar and discussed a range of issues aimed at ensuring greater cooperation between the two navies. They also talked about collaborative mechanisms to ensure peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region.

“VAdm Priyantha Perera, Commander of the @srilanka_navy on a five-day official visit to India called on Adm R Hari Kumar #CNS. He was received with a Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns. The visit symbolises the close naval cooperation b/n the two maritime neighbours in #IOR,” the Indian Navy said on Twitter.

“The two Chiefs had a fruitful interaction with discussions on avenues of further enhancing naval cooperation, laying emphasis on the collaborative mechanisms towards ensuring peace & security in the region,” the Indian Navy added.

Earlier in the day, the Sri Lankan Navy Commander visited the National War Memorial in New Delhi to pay his respects to the valiant troops who have given their lives in battle. He offered his heartfelt appreciation to the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) personnel for their bravery and selflessness during Operation Pawan. Vice Admiral Perera also laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in the utmost respect for the slain soldiers.

“Conveying sincere gratitude to #Bravehearts of Indian Peace Keeping Force #IPKF for their valiant service & supreme sacrifice during #OpPawan, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, RSP**, USP, NDU, PSU, Cdr, Sri Lankan Navy, paid solemn homage at #AmarJawanJyoti in #NationalWarMemorial,” the National War Memorial’s Twitter handle wrote.

During his visit to India, Vice Admiral also presided over the Passing Out Parade of the Spring Term 23 at the prestigious Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. He conveyed his congratulations to the graduating officers, applauding their dedication and commitment to serving their respective navies and upholding the principles of peace and security in the region.

The visit marks a significant milestone in maritime cooperation between the two neighbouring nations and highlights the deep-rooted and historically significant relationship between India and Sri Lanka.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the visit is symbolic of increasing naval cooperation between the two navies and renewed the sense of commitment of two friendly maritime neighbours to enhance the security and tackle the maritime challenges in the IOR.

India and Sri Lanka share a close and historically significant relationship, and both the countries have engaged closely towards reinforcing the existing relations. India and Sri Lanka have enhanced their interactions in the maritime domain substantially in accordance with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and the maritime outlook of ‘Security and Growth for All in Region’.

“Indian Navy cooperates with the Sri Lanka Navy through various initiatives, which include operational interactions such as the bilateral naval exercise SLINEX, hydrography, training, and other maritime avenues. In addition, warships from both the Navies regularly make port calls at each other’s ports,” the Ministry of Defence pointed out.