India, Sri Lanka, Maldives to begin sea exercise from today

[Hindustani78]

Last Updated: Tuesday, October 25, 2016 - 08:45
http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...to-begin-sea-exercise-from-today_1943275.html

Colombo: India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives will begin a four-day Coast Guard exercise in the Maldives on Tuesday to strengthen cooperation.

The tri-lateral exercise, dubbed "DOSTI – XIII", will also strengthen the interoperability of forces.

Representing the Indian Coast Guard are Samudra Pavak, and Aadesh.

The Sri Lanka Navy's Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Sagara will take part in the exercise.

The 13th edition of the exercise will focus on Maritime Search and Rescue, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Marine Pollution Response and anti-piracy operations.

(With PTI inputs)


First Published: Tuesday, October 25, 2016 - 08:45

 

[dadeechi]

Time for new a group - SLIM (Sri Lanka, India, Maldives)

 

[Hindustani78]

Sri Lanka Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel, SLNS ‘Sagara’ left for Maldives yesterday (23) from the Port of Colombo in order to take part in the tri-lateral coastguard exercise “DOSTI - XIII”.


The SLN Sagara is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Male on 25th October 2016 and get involved in the 4-day exercise conducted jointly by Indian, Sri Lankan and Maldivian Coast Guards with the aim of enhancing the interoperability of forces and strengthening cooperation. The 13th edition of the tri-lateral coastguard exercise this year focused on Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Marine Pollution Response (POLRES) and anti-piracy operations.


Representing the Indian Coast Guard, ICGS “Samudra Pavak”, ICGS “Aadesh” along with the aircraft ICG "Dornier" and helicopter ICG "Chetak" will take part in the exercise. Meanwhile, the ships MNDF-CGS “Huravee”, MNDF-CGS “Shaheed Ali” and helicopter MNDF-CG Kurangi of the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) would represent the Maldivian Coast Guard. The Sri Lanka Coast Guard will be represented by SLNS ‘Sagara’ under the command of Captain Anura Danapala.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
13-December, 2016 16:31 IST
Seventh Indo- Maldives joint military exercise to commence from 15 dec

Seventh edition of Exercise EKUVERIN will be held from 15 to 28 Dec 2016 at Kadhdhoo, Laamu Atoll, Maldives. The Exercise is a 14 day platoon level joint military exercise between the Indian Army & the Maldives National Defence Force conducted on a yearly basis.

The aim of the exercise is to conduct military training with emphasis on amphibious & counter insurgency/ counter terrorism operations with a view to enhance interoperability between the two armies.

The contingents comprises of platoon strength from BIHAR Regiment and a similar strength of the Maldivian National Defence Force.

The previous edition of the exercise was held in India at Trivandrum, Kerala.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
15-December, 2016 17:39 IST
Opening Ceremony: Indo- Maldives Joint Military Exercise Commences in Maldives

A 14 days joint training exercise of the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force commenced today with the Opening Ceremony at Kadhdhoo, Lammu Atoll in Maldives.

The training contingents comprised of a platoon strength from BIHAR Regiment and a similar strength of the Maldivian National Defence Force. Senior military observers of both the countries will be witnessing the validation phase of the Exercise.

Exercise EKUVERIN – 2016 will be the seventh edition of Joint Exercise and is in continuation of a series of joint Exercises between the Indian Army and Maldivian National Defence Force. The previous edition of the Exercise was held at Trivandrum, India in 2015.

The aim of the Joint Exercise is to acquaint both forces with each other’s operating procedures in the backdrop of amphibious and counter insurgency/ Counter terrorism environment as also to enhance the existing military relationship between the Indian Army and the Maldivian National Defence Force.

The Indian Army contingent had landed at Male International Airport on 14 Dec 2016 on a C-130 military aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The exercise aims to enhance the interoperability between the Indian Army and Maldivian National Defence Forces in conducting joint operations and cement bonds of friendship between the two countries.

Col Rohan Anand, SM

 

[Hindustani78]

The Director General, Indian Coast Guard, Shri Rajendra Singh and the Director General, Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG), Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunge at a High Level Meeting, in New Delhi on January 04, 2017.

Ministry of Defence
04-January, 2017 17:59 IST
High Level Meeting Between Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lanka Coast Guard

A three member delegation led by Director General Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunge, is on a three day visit to India from 03 January 2017 for a High Level Meeting, with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The Indian delegation was led by Director General, Indian Coast Guard Shri Rajendra Singh. The visit was in continuation of the various efforts by the governments of the two countries in furthering cooperation between the coast guards of two countries on maritime issues of mutual concerns to formulate a cooperative approach.

Of late the Sri Lankan Coast Guard has been proactive in meeting the challenges in the new global safety and security regime in this region. The recent visit is significant in providing continued impetus to the existing ties between the two organisations. The focus of the meeting was on further strengthening the operational level interaction for search and rescue, preservation & protection of marine environment, revalidating operational & communication procedures between the two coast guards.

During the visit, the Sri Lanka CG delegation also called on the Defence Secretary Shri G Mohan Kumar and deliberated on issues of common maritime interests.

During the High Level discussions, it was mutually agreed to strengthen the cooperation on evolving collaborative approach, in addressing a spectrum of maritime issues concerning safety and security and further streamlining the procedure for release/ repatriation of fishermen.


The Director General, Indian Coast Guard, Shri Rajendra Singh and the Director General, Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG), Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunge in a group photograph during a High Level Meeting, in New Delhi on January 04, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
30-January, 2017 16:39 IST
Visit of Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy

Vice Admiral RC Wijegunaratne, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy is on an official visit to India from 29 January to 02 February 2017. The visit is aimed at consolidating bilateral naval relations between India and Sri Lanka and to explore new avenues for naval cooperation.


Commander, Sri Lankan Navy will hold bilateral discussions with Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff and other senior officials of the Indian Navy on 30 January 2017. The Admiral is also scheduled to meet the Chief of the Air Staff, Chief of the Army Staff as well as the Director General, Indian Coast Guard. Calls on of the Hon’ble Minister of State for Defence and Defence Secretary have also been scheduled as part of his official meetings in New Delhi.


Naval cooperation between India and Sri Lanka has been traditionally strong, encompassing a wide span which includes operational interactions through bilateral exercises, Training, Port Calls, Hydrographic co-operation, Special Forces interactions, Capability Building and Capacity Augmentation initiatives. Two Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPVs) are also being constructed for the Sri Lankan Navy at M/s Goa Shipyard Limited.


In addition to New Delhi, the Admiral is also scheduled to proceed to Goa where he will be visiting Naval War College and Goa Shipyard Limited besides interacting with Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area. The Admiral would further visit the Training Command of the Indian Navy based at Kochi, where he would be briefed on training aspects and would also visit various training facilities/ professional schools. During his visit to Kochi, the Admiral would also interact with Sri Lankan Naval personnel undergoing training in India. The Commander, Sri Lankan Navy’s visit follows closely on the visit of the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba’s visit to Sri Lanka wherein he also participated in the 7th International Maritime Conference, Galle Dialogue 2016.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...r-on-tow-day-official-visit-to-kochi-4504528/

By: PTI | Kochi | Published:February 2, 2017 7:19 pm
Vice Admiral R C Wijegunaratne, the Commander of Sri Lanka Navy, accompanied by a four-member delegation, is on a two day official visit to Kochi, consolidating existing strong bilateral naval relations between the two countries. Prior to arriving in Kochi on , he had visited Delhi and Goa.

A Navy release said Wijegunaratne had the occasion to undergo training course at Kochi as a Sub Lieutenant of Ships in 1983-84 and subsequently his specialisation course in Anti-Submarine warfare in 1989. The Admiral had also undergone a course at the prestigious National Defence College New Delhi in 2010.

“Vice Admiral A R Karve,Flag officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, held discussions with the Commander of Sri Lankan Navy wherein he was given an overview of activities conducted by Southern Naval Command.”

“Vice Admiral Wijegunaratne also held discussions with Rear Admiral M A Hampiholi, Flag Officer Sea Training on issues concerning work up,” it said. During his visit, the Commander also interacted with Sri Lanka Navy personnel who are undergoing training with Indian Navy at Kochi and visited the Anti-Submarine Warfare School, it added.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
03-February, 2017 16:25 IST
Joint Military Exercise between India and Maldives

India and Maldives conduct joint military exercise named ‘Exercise EKUVERIN’ alternatively in India and Maldives with participation of an Infantry platoon from each side. The latest exercise was conducted in Maldives in December 2016. The objectives of the exercise are to enhance defence cooperation and interoperability between the army of both countries with emphasis on Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorist operations under UN mandate.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Naranbhai Kachhadiya in Lok Sabha today.

***

 

[Kailash Rava]

Why SLN ship will take part instead of SLCG?

 

[Hindustani78]

Why SLN ship will take part instead of SLCG?

Sri Lanka Navy

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world...t-sri-lanka/story-jgC8hakkj2ihPhNK48B8TN.html

Sri Lanka will not allow China to set up a military facility at any port in the country, the Sri Lankan ambassador to Beijing said on Saturday, adding that Chinese investors have been informed that no civilian facility will be allowed to be used militarily.

“We have to consider the concerns of the neighbours. We do not want to create any situation, which... may become (a source of) suspicion. We know the Indian Ocean is a very important ocean in international trade,” Sri Lankan ambassador Karunasena Kodituwakku said.

“We can have friendly joint exercises with India, US, Pakistan and with China. In case of Hambantota port, there will be a base for the Sri Lankan navy,” he said.

The terms of handing over the Hambantota port to the Chinese company, China Merchants Port Holding (CMPH) company have been broadly decided, Kodituwakku indicated.

“I do not know about other countries, but Sri Lanka has very categorically informed the investor that it (Hambantota port) will not be allowed to be used for any military purposes,” he said. “Not only the Hambantota port , any port in Sri Lanka will not be allowed to be used by any military.”

Kodituwakku said that the Hambantota port hasn’t been a viable project so far.

“Very small numbers (of ships). Even the incoming they have received is not even enough to maintain the port maintenance, forget the salaries about the people who are working,” he said.

With officials from both countries working to finalise a “free trade agreement” (FTA) this year, marking the 65th year of trade ties, unease over China’s financial influence could see a spike in the coming months.

The FTA and several facets of Chinese investment in Sri Lanka will be on the agenda when Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe visits Beijing in May to attend an international seminar on President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

In January, clashes between government supporters and protesters had erupted during a rally against the port deal in Hambantota, about 240 km southeast of Colombo.

 

[Mo12]

Well done SL, dont lose ur sovereignty by allowing Chinese military to use ur land.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on April 26, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on April 26, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe witnessing the exchange of agreements, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on April 26, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe witnessing the exchange of agreements, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on April 26, 2017.

The Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe signing the visitors’ book, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 25, 2017. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi is also seen.

Ministry of Home Affairs
26-April, 2017 19:02 IST
Union Home Minister calls on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh called on the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe here today.

In his meeting with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh welcomed the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe and emphasised the close political ties shared between the two countries. Both the leaders expressed concern over the growing threat from the terrorism and agreed that there should be continuous dialogue between the security organisations of the two countries, to thwart any attempt by the terror outfits to destabilise the stability and peace in the region. The issues concerning the fishermen who inadvertently cross the International Maritime Boundary Line were also discussed and it was felt that the same should be resolved at the earliest with no more loss of lives.

******
The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh calling on the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, in New Delhi on April 26, 2017.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh calling on the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, in New Delhi on April 26, 2017.

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari meeting the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, in New Delhi on April 26, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/no-port-deal-during-pms-colombo-trip/article18227787.ece

The declaration was made in Sri Lanka even as Ranil Wickremesinghe was on a visit to Delhi

Responding to growing domestic pressure, Sri Lanka on Wednesday declared that a crucial agreement with India on the Trincomalee port would not be sealed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Colombo. The declaration came from senior Sri Lankan leaders in Colombo even as Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in economic projects in Delhi.

“The Prime Minister is only signing a broad MoU on economic cooperation while in Delhi. Later, the respective Ministries from both countries will hold discussions and then sign agreements that are legally binding,” Rajitha Senaratne, senior Minister and Cabinet spokesman, told presspersons in Colombo.

He explained that the port deal would not be signed during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit.

Port strike

The Hindu reported on Wednesday that oil union workers in Colombo went on a strike against the planned MoU with India for 84 tanks in the Trincomalee upper oil tank farm. The strike, which hit oil supplies in Sri Lanka on Monday, was called off on an assurance from the leadership that the workers’ concerns would be taken into account before sealing the deal.


Mr. Modi would attend the UN Vesak Day or Buddha Poornima celebrations in Colombo on May 12. The only other event, Sri Lankan government sources said, was in the island’s Central Province where the Indian Prime Minister would visit the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, and inaugurate a hospital in Dikoya, built with Indian assistance.

The statement regarding the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement and the MoU for Cooperation in Economic Projects came at the end of the visit to Delhi by Prime Minister Wickremesinghe to Delhi which also stopped short of producing a solution to the opposition that Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) has been facing from Sri Lanka.

Extensive talks

In Delhi, Mr. Wickremesinghe held extensive talks with Mr Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Shipping and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.

During the discussion with the visiting dignitary, the Indian representatives also requested continued cooperation of Sri Lanka for better treatment of Indian fishermen.