INDIAN COAST GUARD SHIPS MADE A PORT CALL TO COLOMBO IN ENHANCING MARITIME COOPERATION

The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Vaibhav, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, and ICGS Abhiraj, a Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), made a port call to Colombo on 23 December 2024. This visit is part of a capacity building initiative agreed upon during the 7^th High Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG).

As part of this initiative, SLCG personnel participated in a tabletop exercise and an oil spill response demonstration onboard ICGS Vaibhav on 26 December. The collaboration culminated in a combined Coast Guard exercise conducted off the coast of Colombo on 27 December 2024.

In addition to the Indian Coast Guard vessels, SLCG ships Suraksha, Samaraksha, and Samudraaraksha actively participated in a series of exercises, including advanced maritime maneuvers, oil containment and recovery operations, and firefighting drills utilizing the Emergency Fire Fighting (EFF) system. These exercises provided an invaluable opportunity for SLCG personnel to enhance their professionalism and operational readiness. The collaborative drills strengthened the interoperability between the two Coast Guards and reinforced their commitment to ensuring maritime safety and security in the region.

The SLCG extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Coast Guard and the Government of India for their unwavering support and cooperation. This partnership underscores the strong bond between the two nations and their shared commitment to regional maritime safety and security. Moreover, SLCG is looking ahead, the next phase of this training programme scheduled to take place from 29 December 2024 to 2 January 2025 at the port of Galle upon arrival of ICG ships. This continued engagement will further enhance the skills and knowledge of SLCG and ICG personnel, paving the way for more effective joint operations in the future.