The 10th iteration of the annual Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise (SLINEX) – 23 came to a conclusion in the Colombo seas last Saturday (8). This year, SLINEX – 23 was held for six days, with the aim of providing an opportunity for the navies to share their experiences and best practices in various aspects of naval operations and enhance their interoperability. 

The exercise was conducted in two phases with the sea phase conducted off the Colombo coast from 6 – 8 April.

SLINEX – 23 saw Sri Lankan Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Samudura and SLNS Vijayabahu as well as a Dornier Maritime Surveillance Aircraft and a Bell 412 helicopter of the Sri Lanka Air Force, join Indian naval vessels INS Kiltan, INS Savitri, in exercise. An Indian Navy Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft and a Chetak helicopter also joined the maritime exercise.

On the sidelines of SLINEX, several cultural exchange programmes and friendly sports events were conducted. The visiting Indian vessels were also opened to visit by Sri Lankan students and cadets.  

A segment of the exercise was witnessed by the State Minister of Defence, Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Gopal Baglay, who visited the Indian naval ships in Colombo. 

Photo caption:  SLNS Samudura and INS Savitri maneuver with small boats during the sea phase of SLIEX-23. 

Pic - SLN.