Deputy Indian HC Vinod Jacob and Rear Admiral Gewman Ekanayake signing relevant papers regarding the equipment transfer (pic courtesy Indian HC)

The government of India has gifted Sri Lanka, 650 machinery parts worth 120 mn LKR to augment maintenance capability of Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship Suraksha that was presented by New Delhi in October 2017, the Indian High Commission spokesperson said yesterday (29). The handing over of much needed equipment was indicative of the growing cooperation, camaraderie and friendship between the two nations and their forces including the Coast Guards, the official said.

The following is the text of Indian HC statement: “The machinery parts of the final consignment were formally presented to the Director General, SLCG, Rear Admiral Gewman Ekanayake by Vinod Jacob, the Deputy High Commissioner of India, in a function organised on 29 June 2021 at SLCG Base Waruna. The spares would ensure prolonged utility of the SLCGS Suraksha, which is the only Offshore Patrol Vessel of Sri Lanka Coast Guard and the mainstay of patrolling and surveillance undertaken by SLCG at sea.  The spares 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 recently conducted High Level Meeting (HLM) on 22 June 2021 between 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.”