HMS SPEY makes its maiden voyage to Sri Lanka

HMS SPEY, a Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessel of the Royal Navy, made its inaugural voyage to Colombo between January 28 to January 31 commemorating seventy-five years of bilateral ties between the UK and Sri Lanka.

Named after the River Spey in Scotland, the ship received a ceremonial greeting by the Sri Lanka Navy’s pipe and drum band appreciating SPEY’s Scottish origin.

As a component of the Rules Based International System, HMS SPEY’s visit promotes the region’s ability to strengthen its resilience and capability, address issues of shared security, and protect international law and freedom of navigation.

At a reception hosted by Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and State Minister of Defense Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, who graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, the ship was able to commemorate its shared maritime history with the support of Andrew Patrick, the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, cementing ties between the two nations.

British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick said “This was a wonderful addition to our events celebrating 75 years of bilateral relations, and the longstanding links between the Navies of our two countries. HMS SPEY is based in the region, and is a great reminder of the UK’s commitment to the security of the Indo-Pacific.”

Military to military confrontations were carried out by the Sri Lankan Navy and HMS SPEY.

The Indo-Pacific region is becoming increasingly crucial to the security and economic well-being of the United Kingdom. In addition to actively assisting maritime security in the Indian and Arabian Seas, the Sri Lankan Navy is integrating into the Combined Maritime Force. 

“It has been a privilege to visit Sri Lanka in the lead up to the 75^th Anniversary of their Independence and to celebrate 75 years of relations between the UK and Sri Lanka. Like the UK, Sri Lanka has an important role in upholding the Rules Based International Order, particularly at this moment where we are working together on maritime security challenges in the South Red Sea and our cooperation within the Combined Maritime Force is growing,” Commanding Officer of HMS SPEY, Commander Paul Caddy added.

An opportunity to explore Sri Lanka was also afforded by HMS SPEY’s visit, as members of the Ship’s Company volunteered at ethical tourist destinations that help the conservation of sea turtles and elephants.

Picture Courtesy: British High Commission of Sri Lanka