INDIA HANDS OVER OFFSHORE PATROL VESSEL TO SL

Stepping up cooperation between the two coast guards, India today handed over an off-shore patrol vessel, Varuna, to Sri Lanka, the Indian maritime security agency said.

The ship was decommissioned with traditional honours on August 23 to facilitate the handing over at Kochi.

India had earlier handed over two OPVS of the Indian Coast Guard, Varaha in April 2006 and Vigraha in August 2008.

“The handing over of the Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel to the Government of Sri Lanka for training and surveillance purposes is a part of India’s continuing efforts for cementing the historical and cultural ties between the two countries,” the coast guard said in a statement.

The ship has been allocated pennant number SLCG-60 by Sri Lanka Coast Guard and will be commanded by Captain Neville Amara Ubayasiri.

Prior to the ship’s departure to Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard crew will be given an on-the-job training by the Indian Coast Guard team on ship handling, bridge navigation, engine room controls and machinery.

Rear Admiral S.S Ranasinghe, Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Navy was present during the ceremony.

Handing over ships, patrol vessels, interceptor boats to littoral states in the Indian Ocean like the Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius and helping them in capacitybuilding has been a vital element of Indian diplomacy.(indian Express) : New Delhi