Highlighting the spirit of global and regional cooperation, the Sri Lanka Navy today acknowledged the invaluable assistance provided by foreign warships that arrived in the country to participate in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 and extended crucial Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations during the recent adverse weather disaster.
The IFR 2025 was held off the Galle Face seas as part of the Sri Lanka Navy’s 75th anniversary celebrations, according to a Navy statement. Representing the Government of Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya graced the event and received the traditional naval salute onboard SLNS Gajabahu as participating foreign warships paid their honours.
Eight foreign naval vessels arrived in Sri Lanka by November 27 to take part in the IFR under the theme “Sailing Strong – Together.” The participating warships were Bangladesh Navy’s BNS Prottoy, Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrantand INS Udaygiri, Iran Navy’s IRIS Naghdi, Maldivian Coast Guard’s CGS Huravee, Royal Malaysian Navy’s KD Terengganu, Pakistan Navy’s PNS Saif, and Russian Navy’s Gremyashchy.
Due to the disaster situation caused by severe weather conditions across the island, the foreign warships were promptly redirected to support humanitarian relief operations. In particular, helicopters deployed from the Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant and the Pakistan Navy’s PNS Saif played a commendable role in search-and-rescue missions for affected communities.
The Navy said the participation of these warships in the IFR not only honoured maritime traditions and Sri Lanka’s naval heritage but also reinforced collective cooperation and partnerships needed to address non-traditional maritime threats and climate change-induced natural disasters in the region.
The Prime Minister also expressed her gratitude to diplomatic representatives present at the event for their support in disaster relief efforts. Officials in attendance represented the High Commissions and Embassies of Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Malaysia, Pakistan and Russia in Sri Lanka.
