The Sri Lanka Navy has acknowledged the invaluable support of foreign warships, which had arrived to take part in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025, extending much-needed Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations during the recent weather disaster in Sri Lanka.
The International Fleet Review 2025 was held off the Galle Face seas, marking the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Navy.
Representing the Government of Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya graced the event and received the traditional naval salute from onboard SLNS Gajabahu, as the participating foreign warships paid their honours.
Eight foreign naval warships arrived in Sri Lanka by November 27, to take part in the IFR under the theme “Sailing Strong – Together”.
The participating warships included the Bangladesh Navy’s BNS PROTTOY, the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS VIKRANT and INS UDAYGIRI, the Iranian Navy’s IRIS NAGHDI, the Maldivian Coast Guard’s CGS HURAVEE, the Royal Malaysian Navy’s KD TERENGGANU, the Pakistan Navy’s PNS SAIF and the Russian Navy’s GREMYASCHCHY.
Due to the disaster situation triggered by severe weather conditions across Sri Lanka, foreign warships that arrived for the event were promptly redirected to support humanitarian efforts.
A Sri Lanka Navy statement said that, particularly, helicopters deployed from the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS VIKRANT and Pakistan Navy’s PNS SAIF played a praiseworthy role in search and rescue missions for affected communities.
Accordingly, the warships representing each nation joined the IFR, honouring proud maritime traditions and in acknowledgement of Sri Lanka and its Navy. Their participation also reinforced collective cooperation and partnership needed to address non-traditional maritime threats in the region, as well as natural disasters driven by climate change.
PM Harini Amarasuriya expressed gratitude to a group of diplomatic officials present on this occasion for their support in the disaster relief operations.
The officials, who were present on the occasion, represented the High Commissions and Embassies of Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Russia in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)