Two French naval ships arrive at Colombo port

The naval ships ‘Dixmude’ and ‘Surcouf’ belonging to the French Navy arrived at the port of Colombo yesterday on a goodwill visit, Navy said. The ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions.

The two French naval ships; ‘Dixmude’ and ‘Surcouf’ are commanded by Captain Jean Porcher and Commander Christine Ribbe respectively. Accordingly, ‘Surcouf’ remains to be the first lady officer-commanding naval ship arrived at the port of Colombo till date. Besides this was the first instance where an SLN lady officer being appointed as a liaison officer to coordinate events of a visiting ship. Meanwhile, the Commanding Officers of the ships called on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne at the Western Naval Command Headquarters and held a cordial discussion. Mementoes were also exchanged to mark this occasion.

Meanwhile, a professional interaction with regard to ‘state nonmilitary action at sea operations’ and ‘counter drug operations at sea’ is also scheduled to be held with the participation of 10 SLN officers and French naval personnel.

During their one day tour in Sri Lanka, the ships’ crew is expected to take part in several events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy and the two ships are scheduled to leave for their next port of call this evening.