Sri Lanka Navy, in accordance with naval traditions, welcomed two French naval ships arrived at the Port of Colombo on Monday (18).
The two French naval ships ‘Dixmude’ and ‘Surcouf’ commanded by Captain Jean Porcher and Commander Christine Ribbe respectively arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit, the Navy said.
Mistral-class amphibious assault ship Dixmude and La Fayette-class frigate FS Surcouf are on deployment to Asia-Pacific as part of French Navy’s annual Jeanne D’Arc mission.
The Commanding Officers of the French ships called on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
Commander Christine Ribbe also called on the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe at the Naval Headquarters for a friendly discussion and shared views on matters of professional interest.
‘Surcouf’ is the first naval ship commanded by a female officer to arrive at the port of Colombo. It was also the first instance a female Sri Lankan Navy officer was appointed as a liaison officer to coordinate events of a visiting ship.
Meanwhile, a professional interaction with regard to ‘state nonmilitary action at sea operations’ and ‘counter drug operations at sea’ was also held with the participation of 10 SLN officers and French naval personnel.
During their one day tour in Sri Lanka, the ships’ crew took part in several events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy and the two ships left for their next port of call on Monday evening.
