Indian Navy Chief visits Sri Lanka

Chief of the Indian Navy Admiral Nirmal Verma PVSM, AVSM, ADC is due to arrive in Sri Lanka today on an official visit on the invitation of the Government of Sri Lanka and Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe.

His visit will promote bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries and strengthen the mutual co-operation between the two. Admiral Verma will remain in Sri Lanka until July 2 and will attend a series of programs arranged by the Sri Lanka Navy.

The Indian Navy Ship ‘INS Delhi’ will also arrive in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit concurrently. INS Delhi is a destroyer with a displacement of 6,900 tons and is 163 metres in length and 17 metres in breadth. It has a complement of 410 Naval personnel including 50 officers and 360 sailors and is commanded by Captain S. Srikant.

During his visit the Admiral is scheduled to meet the President, Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Secretary of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and Service Commanders.

Gracing the occasion as the chief guest at the Naval Officers’ passing out parade at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee will be a special feature of Admiral Verma’s visit.

He is accompanied by his wife, Madhulika Verma and an Indian delegation.