News
President tells Arab envoys Lanka wants immediate ceasefire in Gaza
Sri Lanka wanted an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and would send aid to Gaza once the hostilities ended, President Ranil Wickremesinghe told ambassadors of 10 Arab countries during a meeting on Thursday (11).
“We are ready to build a school in Gaza. A Palestinian state must be recognised immediately,” President said, adding that Sri Lanka’s stance on Palestine and the current conflict was very clear.
Wickremesinghe said no country must be allowed to wipe out another nation.
“Based on an attack by Hamas, Israel can’t wipe out an entire society that lives in Gaza, which is now close to being obliterated.”
Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka’s foreign policy now was to maintain closer relations with Arab countries.
“Soon, we will open an embassy in Kazakhstan to replace the one we had in Kabul. With this, we can reach out to Central Asian nations.”
With regard to attempts by Sri Lanka to send ships to the Red Sea, Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka did not have the capacity to send a ship by itself.
“The Navy indicated if they were to go, they would like to go with some cover. However, we do not want any Israeli participation in this freedom of navigation operation. We will support whatever measures are taken by the Arab world to mitigate the problems in the Middle East,” he said.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on Friday [04 Apr 25]. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.
INS Sahyadri is a 143m long Frigate manned by a crew of 320 and the ship is commanded by Captain Rajat Kumar.
During their visit to the crew of INS Sahyadri will participate in events hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties. They will also visit several tourist hotspots across the country.
Concluding the visit, INS Sahyadri is scheduled to set sail from Colombo on 07 Apr
Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) BUNGO and ETAJIMA which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit on 01 Apr 25, departed the island on Friday [04 Apr].
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ships at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions. Upon leaving, the duo of ships engaged in a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Vijayabahu. The PASSEX involved training exercises in communication and tactical maneuvering, concluding with the traditional cheer ship salute.
During their stay in Colombo, crew members of the JMSDF ships took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in Colombo. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA, gaining insights into their operational capabilities.
The Commanding Officers of JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA, Commander TANAKA Koji and Commander ODA Takayuki called on Commander Western Naval Area, and Director General Operations, on 01 Apr.
The official welcoming ceremony for the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, who arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday (April 4) night for a three-day state visit, is currently underway at Independence Square in Colombo.
INS Sahyadri arrives at Port of Colombo
JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA depart island
Ceremonial reception for Indian PM Narendra Modi commences
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