Indian Navy chief on five-day Sri Lanka visit

Indian Navy chief, Admiral Sunil Lanba on Sunday began a five-day visit to Sri Lanka, aimed at consolidating and enhancing bilateral maritime relations, an official statement said.

"The visit is intended to consolidate and enhance the bilateral maritime relations between India and Sri Lanka," it said.

During his visit which will last till December 1, Admiral Lanba will call on Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, and various senior dignitaries including the Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Chiefs.A

Lanba will also attend the 'Galle Dialogue', an annual conference hosted by Sri Lanka on the issues of aritime Security and cooperation between international navies. Representatives from 39 countries and 13 international organisations are likely to participate in the event.

The Indian navy chief would be delivering the keynote address on 'India's perspective on the benefits of Strategic Maritime Partnerships', during the event.

Naval cooperation between India and Sri Lanka includes operational interactions through bilateral exercises, coordinated patrolling along the common maritime border, training, port calls, capacity building and augmentation initiatives.

Lanba will also lay a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force memorial, which has been built by Sri Lanka.

--IANS

ao/vd