The vessel was donated by the United States Coast Guard to strengthen Sri Lanka’s maritime surveillance and security capabilities.
According to officials, the ship was formally handed over to Sri Lanka on December 2, 2025. Following a series of modifications to meet the operational requirements of the Sri Lanka Navy, the vessel departed from the U.S. Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore on February 20, 2026, and subsequently arrived in Colombo.
The commissioning of Samudra Vijaya marks a significant milestone in enhancing the operational capacity of the Sri Lanka Navy and strengthening the country’s maritime and national security framework.
The vessel is expected to play a vital role in a range of maritime operations, including ocean surveillance, search and rescue missions, protection of fisheries resources, environmental monitoring, and the enforcement of international maritime laws and conventions. It is also expected to serve as a key asset in combating narcotics trafficking and other transnational maritime crimes, which remain major challenges for Sri Lanka and the wider region.
During the ceremony, President Dissanayake presented the official commissioning certificate to the vessel’s Commanding Officer, Captain Gayan Wickramasuriya. The President also unveiled the ship’s nameboard and official insignia before undertaking an inspection tour of the vessel.
Senior naval officials briefed the President on the ship’s operational readiness, capabilities, and mission profile. President Dissanayake later signed the vessel’s distinguished visitors’ book and was presented with a commemorative replica of Samudra Vijaya as a memento of the occasion.
The addition of Samudra Vijaya is expected to significantly enhance Sri Lanka’s ability to safeguard its maritime interests and contribute to regional maritime security efforts.
