TWO NEW SHIPS JOINED SLCG FLEET

The Commissioning ceremony of Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship Samudra Raksha and Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship Samaraksha, two 30 meter long steel hull Fast Patrol vessels (FPV) donated by the government of Japan under the project for Maritime Safety Capability Improvement in Sri Lanka was held at the Port of Colombo on 29thAugust 2018. These ships are equipped with many equipment using for fire fighting, oil spill management and law enforcement activities.

State Minister of Defence, Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene graced the occasion as the Chief Guest of this colourful event on the invitation of Director General of Sri Lanka Coast Guard Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunga. State Minister of Foreign Affairs in Japan Hon. Kazuyuki Nakane and a delegation from Japan, foreign delegates, Secretary of Defence, Chief of Defence staff, Commander of the Air force, representatives from stake holders and other governmental organizations attend for the ceremony.

At the ceremony both ministers emphasized the close relationship maintained by the two countries which goes back to many decades and importance of the protection of marine environment whilst providing a Safe, Secure and Serine Sea to maintain uninterrupted Sea Line of Communication. At the end of the event Director General of Sri Lanka Coast Guard presented token of appreciation to both the ministers.

SLCG will deploy these two ships in marine environmental protection and the law enforcement duties in maritime zones of Sri Lanka.