In continuing India’s defence cooperation initiatives with Sri Lanka towards Martine Security and capacity building, the government of India gifted 650 machinery parts worth Rs. 120 million to augment the maintenance capability of Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) Ship Suraksha, which was given to Colombo by India in October 2017.
The gift was indicative of the growing cooperation, camaraderie and friendship between the two nations and their forces including the Coast Guards.
The machinery parts of the final consignment were formally presented to the Director-General, SLCG, Rear Admiral Gewman Ekanayake by Vinod Jacob, Deputy High Commissioner of India, at a ceremony at SLCG Base ‘Waruna’.
The spares would ensure prolonged utility of the SLCGS Suraksha, the only Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and the mainstay of patrolling and surveillance undertaken by it at sea.
The consignment included main machinery spares, shaft, gearbox etc. The spares will facilitate expeditious repairs, improved sea going capability and increased overall life cycle of the ship.
It may be recalled, that during the High Level Meeting (HLM) on June 22, 2021 between the Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lanka Coast Guard the assurance of India’s fullest cooperation in the field of maritime security and capacity building was reiterated.
This is in line with India’s Vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, which further translate into capacity building initiatives with countries in the Indian Ocean Region including Sri Lanka.
