In a unique gesture, the government of India moved one step ahead to help crisis-ridden nation Sri Lanka and gifted a Dornier Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft towards strengthening the maritime security of Sri Lanka. A special event was held on Indian Independence Day, 15 August 2022. The event was held at Sri Lanka Air Force Base, Katunayake.
His Excellency E. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay, Chief of Staff to the President Sagala Ratnayaka, Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne, Vice Chief of Naval Staff of Indian Navy Vice Admiral S.N. Ghormade, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva and Army, Navy and Air Force Chiefs of Sri Lanka graced the occasion. The landmark event coincided with the celebration of India’s 75th Anniversary of Independence.
This aircraft would act as a force multiplier, enabling Sri Lanka to tackle multiple challenges such as human and drug trafficking, smuggling and other organized forms of crime in its coastal waters more effectively. Induction of the aircraft is timely in view of the current challenges to Sri Lanka’s maritime security.
Dornier aircr welcomed with water cannon salute. Photo: Indian Embassy Sri Lanka.
The gift to the people of Sri Lanka will equip the country to contribute more towards the security of the Indian Ocean Region at large. Capability of the aircraft to undertake Search and Rescue operations exemplifies its direct benefit to the people. It may be recalled that maritime security has been identified as a key pillar of the Colombo Security Conclave. Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay, speaking on the occasion, emphasized that induction of the aircraft will help in creating a peaceful environment for progress and prosperity of the people of India and Sri Lanka.
It may be noted that Navy and Air Force personnel of Sri Lanka who received training in India for close to four months shall operate the aircraft. They will also receive operational support from their Indian counterparts.
Gifting of Dornier aircraft underscores the cooperation between the two maritime neighbours in the defence and security spheres. Such cooperation is envisaged to add further capability and capacity to Sri Lanka and is in line with the vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
*(Contents have been taken from the Press Release issued by Ministry of External Affairs on 15 August 2022)
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
