The hydrographic survey ship, INS ‘Darshak’ of the Indian Navy arrived at the Port of Colombo today (27) on a training visit.

The ship was ceremonially welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions on her arrival.

The Commanding Officer of ‘Darshak’ Captain Peush Pawsey paid a courtesy call on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Niraja Attygalle at the Western Naval Command Headquarters and they held cordial discussions.

Mementos were also exchanged to mark the occasion.

During her stay in Sri Lanka, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in a number of programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy.

Further, they are expected to play several friendly matches of volleyball and basketball as well.

On completion of its stay in the country, INS ‘Darshak’ will depart from the Colombo harbour on 30th of this month.

INS Darshak was used to investigate historically significant shipwrecks off the coast of Tamil Nadu. This included exploring the submerged remains of the lost city of Poompuhar in Tamil Nadu.

On 3 March 2017 the ship was deployed to Sri Lanka for a 2 month long hydrographic survey trip in collaboration with Sri Lanka Navy. During the trip Sri Lanka Navy personnel will join their counterparts on the ship to undertake advanced hydrographic practices. The ship will also make port call to Colombo and Galle.