News
Navy’s latest acquisition leaves US without nine crew members
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Sri Lanka Navy vessel P 627 has departed Seattle, US over the last week sans nine members of the crew who fled from the ship in spite of stringent measures in place to thwart such an eventuality.Sri Lanka’s efforts to locate them haven’t been successful though their disappearances were brought to the notice of relevant authorities.
The Island learns that on two previous occasions six members of P 621 (SLNS Samudura/formerly of the US Coast Guard ‘Courageous’) and P 626 (SLNS Gajabahu/ formerly of the US Coast Guard Sherman) fled the ships before they departed US home ports in 2004 and 2018 respectively. They were never found.Well informed sources said that authorities had been extra vigilant this time as there were push factors against the backdrop of extreme economic difficulties here. Sri Lanka paid for the vessels taken delivery of in 2004 and 2018 whereas P 627 (formerly of the US Coast Guard ‘ Douglas Munro’) was received free of charge.
The US Coast Guard in late Oct 2021 formally handed over ‘Douglas Munro’ to SLN crew sent there to take over the vessel. The crew received training while the vessel underwent certain modifications to suit the operational needs of the Sri Lanka Navy.
‘Douglas Munro’ is the second ‘Hamilton Class High Endurance Cutter’, received by the SLN measures 115m in length, capable of attaining maximum speed of 29 knots and endurance of 14,000 NM at cruising speed. The vessel has been designed for a complement of 187 crew and is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and machinery, according to a statement issued by the SLN.The vessel is expected to arrive in Colombo in the first week of November. The vessel will make port calls at Honolulu in Hawaii, Apra in Guam, United States, Manila in the Philippine and Changi in Singapore for replenishment and services.
Recently SLNS Gajabahu captured public attention following the releasing of a video footage of the vessel preparing to leave Colombo harbour carrying the then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The President and the first lady arrived in Trincomalee on May 10 morning after leaving Colombo on the previous day.
All three ex-US Coast Guard vessels have been designated as Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) with SLNS Gajabahu classified as an Advanced OPV. The SLN fleet includes four AOPVs (two procured from India and one received from China as a gift in addition to SLNS Gajabahu). They are backed by four OPVs, two Fast Missile Vessels etc.
In spite of soaring fuel costs, the SLN maintains regular patrols. Both Australia and Sri Lanka have acknowledged a tripartite agreement involving India that has paved the way for the SLN and SLAF to receive fuel from India paid for by Australia. Sources said that the Australian move should be viewed against the backdrop of their keenness to ensure sufficient sea patrols to prevent people being smuggled to Australia.
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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