SRI LANKA COAST GUARD RECEIVES ESSENTIAL SPARE PARTS FROM INDIAN COAST GUARD

On 19 June 2024, the Indian Coast Guard Ship Sachet made a port call at the Port of Colombo, marking an important event for the Sri Lankan Coast Guard history. The visit was organized for the transfer of essential spare parts, generously donated by the Indian Coast Guard, to be used for the SLCG Ship Suraksha.

The official handover ceremony featured an exchange of certificates between His Excellency Santosh Jha, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka and General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd), Secretary of the Ministry of Defence. This exchange took place in the presence of an esteemed gathering that included the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, the Western Naval Area Commander, the Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, the Defence Advisor to the High Commission of India to Sri Lanka, the Commanding Officer and crew of ICGS Sachet, and senior officers from both the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Coast Guard.

This donation is a continuation of the Indian Coast Guard and the Government of India’s longstanding support for the Sri Lanka Coast Guard. SLCGS Suraksha, which was initially gifted by the Indian Coast Guard on 5 September 2017 at the Port of Kochi, has since benefited from several essential donations, underscoring the strong and enduring partnership between the two nations. The spare parts will play a crucial role in enhancing the operational capabilities of SLCGS Suraksha, thereby strengthening the SLCG’s efforts in ensuring maritime security in the region.

This event not only marked the transfer of essential equipment but also highlighted the robust cooperation and shared commitment between Sri Lanka and India towards maritime safety and security. The relationship between the Indian Coast Guard and the Sri Lanka Coast Guard has been consistently strengthened through such generous acts and collaborative efforts, showcasing the mutual respect and dedication to ensuring safe and secure maritime environments. This event stands as a testament to the strong ties between the two coast guards and the two nations, fostering a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose in the region.