Crew members of the visiting Indian Naval Ship INS Udaygiri joined hands with personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy’s Western Naval Command to carry out a beach cleaning drive along the Galle Face promenade in Colombo.

The environmental initiative was organised as part of a series of goodwill events during the vessel’s official visit to Sri Lanka, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two navies. 

According to the Navy, the joint effort resulted in the collection of a significant amount of non‑biodegradable waste, including plastic and polythene litter scattered along the shoreline.

The Sri Lanka Navy subsequently arranged for the proper disposal of the collected waste to prevent further environmental harm to the coastal area. (Newswire)

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The Indian Navy’s indigenously built multi‑role stealth frigate INS Udaygiri arrived at Colombo Port on Tuesday (08) for a three‑day Operational Turnaround (OTR), coinciding with the visit of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Sri Lanka.

According to the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, the visit aims to deepen bilateral cooperation with the Sri Lanka Navy through technical training and experience sharing by a mobile training team. 

The ship has also brought essential machinery and equipment spares for both the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force.

Commanding Officer Captain Vikas Sood will formally call on Rear Admiral GHSE De Silva, Commander Western Naval Area. As part of the Defence Minister’s visit, a reception will be hosted onboard INS Udaygiri for Sri Lankan dignitaries. 

The crew will also engage in professional and sports interactions with their Sri Lankan counterparts and join a beach cleaning programme in Colombo in support of the “Clean Sri Lanka Campaign.”

INS Udaygiri previously visited Colombo in November 2025 alongside aircraft carrier INS Vikrant to participate in SLN IFR‑2025. The frigate also took part in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations during Cyclone Ditwah, delivering immediate relief material and reinforcing India’s role as the first responder for its closest maritime neighbour.

According to the Indian High Commission, visits by Indian Navy vessels underscore India’s unwavering commitment to the vision of “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR)” and the country’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, strengthening bonds of friendship and regional security cooperation. (Newswire)

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