Sri Lanka Thanks India for Maritime Surveillance Support

Sri Lanka expressed gratitude to India for its assistance in safeguarding the island nation’s airspace and maritime territory, including its exclusive economic zone, through coastal and maritime surveillance operations. Sagala Ratnayaka, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s senior Advisor on National Security, conveyed this appreciation while accepting a successor Indian Navy Dornier aircraft handed over to the Sri Lanka Air Force.

The maritime surveillance aircraft, Donier-228, was provided to replace a previous one and returned for scheduled maintenance after being given by India a year ago. The gesture followed a bilateral security discussion in January 2018, where India offered the aircraft for a span of two years free of cost.

Ratnayaka highlighted India’s support, especially during Sri Lanka’s financial crisis last year, and stressed the importance of joint efforts to ensure mutual safety. The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Gopal Baglay, emphasized India’s commitment to capacity building in Sri Lanka’s defense forces and highlighted the potential for sourcing additional Dornier aircraft in the future.

He noted that the maritime surveillance aircraft has significantly contributed to maritime reconnaissance and search and rescue missions in Sri Lanka, enhancing peace and progress in the region.