Commander of Lankan Navy on 3-day visit to Kochi

: Vice-Admiral Piyal De Silva, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, along with a delegation, is on a three-day visit to the Southern Naval Command (SNC) here, as part of an official visit programme to India.

The Commander, who reached here on Friday, had discussions with Vice-Admiral AK Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, Saturday on subjects of mutual interest to both navies, a Defence press release said here.

He was thereafter given a presentation on the activities conducted by the SNC, focussing mainly on training - this being the Training Command, the release said.

Presently, 95 Sri Lankan Navy officers and 67 sailors are undergoing training at various establishments and units under the SNC.

On completion of his visit to Kochi, the Commander of the Lankan navy and his delegation would proceed to the Indian Naval Academy (INA) at Ezhimala Sunday.

During this visit, he would be having an interaction with Vice Admiral RB Pandit, Commandant INA, and also visit various training facilities at the Academy, the release said.

At presently, 17 Lankan navy cadets are undergoing training at the INA.