THREE STABICRAFT VESSELS JOINED SLCG FLEET

The Handing over / Taking over ceremony of 03 No’s Stabicraft vessels donated by the government of Australia to boost the Maritime capability of Sri Lanka Coast Guard was held at SLNS Rangalla , Port of Colombo at 1600 hrs on 25th January2019. These vessels were donated to SLCG as result of a productive discussion held between the President of Sri Lanka Hon Mithripala Sirisena and former Prime Minister of Australia Hon Malcolm Turnbull during his visit to Sri Lanka on 2nd November 2017.

Seven meters in length and 2 x 100 HP OBM fitted Stabicraft vessels designated as CG 103, CG104 and CG 105. are capable to reach up to a speed of 34 knots. Joining these Stabicraft will enhance the strength of SLCG feet and vessels will be deployed to counter maritime related illegal activities and crimes in shallow and restricted waters around Sri Lanka.

State Minister of Defence, Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene graced the occasion as the Chief Guest of this colorful event on the invitation of Director General of Sri Lanka Coast Guard Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunga. HE the High Commissioner of Australia Hon Bryce Hutchesson and a delegation from Australia, the Chief of Defence Staff, Additional Secretary of Defence, the Commander of the Navy, Director Generals of SL Navy , The Commander Western Naval Area, Senior Officers from SLN , Senior Officers from SLCG and representatives from other governmental organizations attended the ceremony.

At the ceremony, both State Minister of Defence and HE the High Commissioner of Australia emphasized that two countries have built a strong and enduring relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947 and many goals have been achieved over past 70 years. State Minister of Defence acknowledged and thanked the Government of Australia for the wonderful gift and continues assistance being providing for the improvement of marine capabilities of SLCG. At the end of the event, Director General of Sri Lanka Coast Guard presented tokens of appreciation to both the State Minister of Defence and HE the High Commissioner of Australia.