January 01, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy has paid tribute to the vital role played by overseas naval forces that sailed into Colombo for the International Fleet Review 2025, an event staged alongside celebrations marking the Navy’s 75th year of service.
Beyond ceremonial duties, the visiting warships proved their value on the ground by assisting Sri Lanka during a spell of severe weather that affected several parts of the island.
Held off the waters of Galle Face under the banner “Sailing Strong – Together”, the fleet review brought together regional and extra-regional partners in a show of maritime solidarity. Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya attended as the Government’s representative and took the customary naval salute aboard SLNS Gajabahu, as ships from friendly nations lined up in formation offshore.
A total of eight foreign vessels participated in the review, representing Bangladesh, India, Iran, the Maldives, Malaysia, Pakistan and Russia. Among them were India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, Pakistan’s PNS Saif and Russia’s Gremyashchiy, highlighting the breadth of international engagement with Sri Lanka’s navy.
When heavy rains and rough conditions struck soon after, the visiting ships swiftly shifted from pageantry to practical support. Aircraft and crews from the Indian and Pakistani navies were deployed for search and rescue operations, assisting local authorities to reach stranded residents and assess damage in affected areas.
Naval officials noted that the episode underscored the real-world value of multinational cooperation at sea, particularly as climate-related disasters become more frequent. The fleet review, they said, was not only a celebration of history and tradition but also a reminder of shared responsibility in responding to humanitarian emergencies and emerging maritime challenges.
Addressing diplomats and senior officers present, Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed appreciation to the High Commissions and Embassies of the participating nations for their swift assistance and continued partnership, describing the collective response as a reflection of enduring goodwill and regional friendship.
