Navy ships Sayura and Sagara leave for Indo-Lanka joint naval exercise SLINEX 2017

Sri Lanka Navy’s offshore patrol vessels SLNS Sayura and Sagara left Trincomalee on Monday for India to participate in the joint maritime naval exercise with the Indian Navy.

The two naval ships were accorded a formal farewell in accordance with naval traditions as they left the harbour. They are scheduled to arrive at the Port of Visakhapatnam today.

The biennial Joint Indo-Lanka Maritime Fleet Exercise - SLINEX 2017 will be conducted from tomorrow to 14 September.

A complement of 368 SLN personnel comprising 43 naval officers and 60 midshipmen are taking part in the biennial joint naval exercise.

SLINEX 2017 will focus on fleet work, seamanship, communication, replenishment at sea and Visit Board Search and Seize (VBSS) operations as well as helicopter operations.

The Indian Navy, reflecting the long-existing bilateral relations, extends its assistance to the Sri Lankan Navy, strengthening the bonds of friendship. Joint naval operations enable both navies to rehearse and improve their own capabilities and enhance operational effectiveness required to maintain maritime security in the region.