SLINEX 2023: Sri Lanka prepares for Sea Phase off Colombo from April 6–8

Sri Lanka: Participants from the Indian Navy, Sri Lankan Navy, and Sri Lankan Air Force, on Wednesday, wrapped up the Pre Sail Meeting in preparation for the Sea Phase, which will start on April 6–8 off the coast of Colombo.

“The Pre Sail Conference was completed by @indiannavy, @srilanka navy, and @airforcelk to prepare for the Sea Phase from 6–8 April off Colombo. Subject Matter Experts’ training advanced on significant maritime developments, according to a tweet from the Indian High Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase are the two phases of the exercise. From April 3–5, Colombo will host the Harbour Phase, while from April 6–8, the Sea Phase will take place offshore the Sri Lankan capital.

Training for subject matter experts advanced in the fields of fire fighting, damage control, underway replenishment, and helicopter operation.

Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, and Leader of the Sri Lankan Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, earlier attended a reception organised by the Indian High Commissioner, Gopal Baglay.

“Friendship Bridges! Day 2 of SLINEX 2023. Hon. Speaker @YapaMahinda, Hon.LOP @sajithpremadasa, Hon. Ministers, MPs, Senior Defence Hierarchy including CDS and Service Chiefs, Diplomats, and prominent dignitaries attended the reception organised by the High Commissioner on board, according to a tweet from the Indian High Commission.

The Indian ships, INS Kiltan and INS Savitri, which were available for public observation, were flooded with visitors.

The SLINEX-2023 exercise aims to enhance interoperability, improve communication, and exchange best practices and procedures in multifaceted maritime operations between both Navies.

Long-standing bilateral ties exist between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in the maritime sector. Strong cooperation has existed between the two countries in a number of spheres, including political participation, business and economic links, interpersonal relationships, and cultural exchanges.

SLINEX-2023, a bilateral naval exercise, demonstrates the close connections between the two nations. It aims to strengthen the connections of friendship and camaraderie between the two fleets and the cooperation between them.

On April 3, Vinod Jacob, the deputy high commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, participated in the exercise’s launch. He emphasised the significance of the exercise and its firsts, including the fact that it was the first SLINEX to be held after the global pandemic COVID-19, the first after the Indian Navy changed its ensign, and the first to include the Air Force and Special Forces.

The Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette INS Kiltan and the Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Savitri are both part of the Indian Navy. The OPV SLNS Sagara and the Advance Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Gajabahu are both part of the Sri Lanka Navy.

Together with these ships, the exercise will also include Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Chetak helicopters from the Indian Navy, Dornier helicopters from the Sri Lankan Air Force, and BEL 412 helicopters. The two navies’ Special Forces will also take part in the practice.

The last SLINEX was held in Visakhapatnam from March 7–12 of the previous year. It is anticipated that this year’s drill will further develop the two navies’ mutual respect and collaboration.