Japanese defence ship arrives at H’tota Port

Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force ship ‘Ikazuchi’ arrived at the port of Hambantota today on a goodwill visit, Sri Lanka Navy said.

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

Subsequently, Mission Commander Captain Ryoko Azuma who was accompanied by the Commanding Officer and a host of officers of the ship paid a courtesy call on Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Kapila Samaraweeara at the Southern Naval Command Headquarters.

They held cordial discussions focused on enhancing of mutual cooperation. The Deputy Area Commander of Southern Naval Command, Commodore Ranjith Premarathna and the Defence Attaché of the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, Captain Atsuhiro Morore were also present on this occasion.

During the three-day official visit, the ship’s crew is scheduled to visit popular tourist destinations and participate in several events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy in a bid to enhance camaraderie between two forces.