Sri Lankan Navy Ship Samudura (Ex- USCGC Courageous) and Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force(JMSDF) ship ‘Teruzuki’ engaged in a bilateral sea-borne exercise off Colombo Sunday.

Initially, the ships ran maneuvering drills followed by a sequenced Search and Rescue (SAR) exercise also involving the organic helicopter onboard ‘Teruzuki’.

In addition, the joint exercise served to maximize communication and understanding, with both countries embarking liaison officers from the other. The passage training exercise was conducted over a duration of 4 hours, culminating with a customary exchange of cheer ship (manning the rails) between the vessels.

The port visits, interactions and the exercises are believed to have resulted in solidifying the relationship with JMSDF, also improving the overall partnership between the two countries. Meanwhile, the conduct of similar exercises together, is expected to further improve the interoperability.

The Japanese Akizuki-class destroyer, ‘Teruzuki’ (DDG 116), arrived at the Port of Colombo on a two day goodwill and training visit on 01 April. In 2016, six JMSDF ships had made ports of call in Colombo on goodwill, replenishment and training purposes.