The Sri Lanka Navy has commended the timely and invaluable assistance provided by foreign naval warships that supported Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations during the recent weather-related disaster affecting several parts of the island.
The foreign warships had arrived in Sri Lanka to participate in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025, held off the Galle Face seas as part of the Sri Lanka Navy’s 75th anniversary celebrations, under the theme “Sailing Strong – Together.” However, following severe weather conditions and the resulting disaster situation, the vessels were swiftly redirected to assist in emergency relief operations.
Representing the Government of Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attended the event and received the traditional naval salute onboard SLNS Gajabahu as participating warships paid their respects.
A total of eight foreign naval vessels reached Sri Lanka by November 27 to take part in the IFR. These included Bangladesh Navy’s BNS Prottoy; Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and 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 the Russian Navy’s Gremyashchchy.
Helicopters deployed from the Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant and the Pakistan Navy’s PNS Saif played a significant role in search-and-rescue missions, providing critical assistance to communities affected by flooding and adverse weather conditions.
Despite the emergency deployment, the warships later joined the International Fleet Review, honoring Sri Lanka’s maritime traditions and reinforcing regional and global naval cooperation. Their participation underscored the importance of collective action in addressing non-traditional maritime challenges, including natural disasters intensified by climate change.
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to diplomatic representatives present at the event for their support during the disaster response. Officials from the High Commissions and Embassies of Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Russia in Sri Lanka attended the occasion.
