Japanese Naval Ship ‘Ikazuchi’ arrives at Hambantota Port

The Sri Lanka Navy, in accordance with naval traditions, welcomed the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) ship ‘Ikazuchi’ which arrived at the Port of Hambantota yesterday on a three-day goodwill visit.

The Mission Commander Captain Ryoko Azuma accompanied by the Commanding Officer and a host of officers of the ship called on Commander Southern Naval Area Rear Admiral Kapila Samaraweera at the Southern Naval Command Headquarters and engaged in discussions focused on enhancing of mutual cooperation, the Navy said.

The Deputy Area Commander of Southern Naval Command Commodore Ranjith Premarathna and the Defence Attaché of the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka Captain Atsuhiro Morore were also present on this occasion.

During the three-day official visit, the ship’s crew is scheduled to visit popular tourist destinations and participate in several special events organised by the Sri Lanka Navy in a bid to enhance camaraderie between the two forces.