Sri Lanka Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel, SLNS ‘Sagara’ left for Maldives yesterday (23) from the Port of Colombo in order to take part in the tri-lateral coastguard exercise “DOSTI - XIII”. The SLN Sagara is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Male on 25th October 2016 and get involved in the 4-day exercise conducted jointly by Indian, Sri Lankan and Maldivian Coast Guards with the aim of enhancing the interoperability of forces and strengthening cooperation. The 13th edition of the tri-lateral coastguard exercise this year focused on Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Marine Pollution Response (POLRES) and anti-piracy operations.

Representing the Indian Coast Guard, ICGS “Samudra Pavak”, ICGS “Aadesh” along with the aircraft ICG "Dornier" and helicopter ICG "Chetak" will take part in the exercise. Meanwhile, the ships MNDF-CGS “Huravee”, MNDF-CGS “Shaheed Ali” and helicopter MNDF-CG Kurangi of the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) would represent the Maldivian Coast Guard. The Sri Lanka Coast Guard will be represented by SLNS ‘Sagara’ under the command of Captain Anura Danapala.