Saturday, 17 August 2013 00:00
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Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage on an invitation extended by Commander of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, visited Australia recently. He was accompanied by of the Sri Lanka Navy Seva Vanitha Unit President Srima Colombage.
He was accorded a Guard of Honour and warmly welcomed by the Commander of the Royal Australian Navy at the RAN Headquarters.
He met National Security Advisor, Dr. Margot McCarthy and made a joint call on Chief of Defence Force, General David Hurley and Secretary of Defence, Dennis Richardson at the Australian Department of Defence.
During his visit the Commander of the Navy held wide range of discussions on joint measures taken to prevent people smuggling as well as search and rescue operations conducted to save people who undertake hazardous voyages in perilous seas.
The Navy Commander laid a wreath in honour of fallen RAN personnel at the Royal Australian Navy Memorial. He attended a round table discussion hosted by Acting Commander Joint Operations, Rear Admiral Stephen Gilmore at the Joint Operations Command Headquarters. The Navy Commander also visited the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and toured the Australian Rescue Coordination Centre. At the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, he met Ambassador for People Smuggling, Craig Chittick and they discussed a range of issues related to illegal migration and human trafficking.
The Navy Commander visited the Border Protection Command and toured the Australian Maritime Security Operation Centre accompanied by Commander Border Protection, Rear Admiral David Johnston.
The Commander also visited the Fleet Base East and boarded the Royal Australian Navy frigate, HMAS Melbourne where he made an impromptu speech which highlighted the key factors of SLN counter-terrorism operations and its war winning strategies much to the delight of the crew members.
During their visit, Commander of the Navy and Navy Seva Vanitha President attended an official dinner hosted by Vice Admiral Ray Griggs and Kerrie Griggs. They also had the pleasure of attending a dinner hosted by Sri Lanka s Ambassador to Australia, Admiral (Rtd.) Thisara Samarasinghe at the Sri Lankan High Commissioner’s official residence.
The visit reflects the commitment for continued cooperation between the two friendly Navies and improves bilateral relations to new heights. It also paves the way for enhancing assistance for training and education of SLN officers.
