..:: India Strategic ::. Navy: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena visits INS Vikramaditya

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Editorial

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena visits INS Vikramaditya

Published: January 2016

New Delhi. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena visited INS Vikramaditya January 23.

He was received onboard by Rear Admiral Ranveet Singh, NM, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet and Captain Krishna Swaminathan, Commanding Officer of the ship. Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka YK Sinha, and Vice Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne, WV, RWP & Bar, RSP, VSV, USP, ndc, psn, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy were also present on this occasion.

On his arrival onboard, Sri Lankan President was presented a 50-men Guard of Honour and was received with the playing of Sri Lanka and Indian national anthems by the Indian Navy band. Later, he was introduced to the officers onboard the ship.

This visit is very significant as it marks many firsts. It was not only the first visit of the President of Sri Lanka to a foreign warship after assuming office in January 2015, but also the first Head of State visit to the Indian Navy’s biggest warship and aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. Besides, this is the first ever visit of a foreign port by INS Vikramaditya after being inducted into the Indian Navy. Above all the Sri Lankan President’s visit onboard makes it even more remarkable.

The President walked around the ship and was shown various aviation facilities onboard. He evinced keen interest in the functioning of the ship and her various aircraft. Mr Sirisena remarked that he was very happy and honoured to be the first Head of State to visit the Indian Navy’s Flagship and state-of-the art aircraft carrier. He also signed the Visitors Book on completion of the visit.

India and Sri Lanka share a very cordial multi-dimensional relationship that is both diverse and historic. The Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy also share a deep and multi layered relationship, as also a history of strong bilateral engagement. This visit of the Sri Lankan President - who is not only the Commander-in-Chief of the Sri Lanka defence forces, but is also the current Defence Minister of Sri Lanka - to INS Vikramaditya is a reflection of the strong bonds the two nations and navies have fostered between them over the years.