Japan Maritime Self Defence Force ships arrive in Sri Lanka

Two Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) ships, "Suzunami" and "Kirisame" arrived at the Port of Colombo on 05th January 2013 on a goodwill and supply visit. The ships were ceremonially welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy on their arrival.

Commander 03rd Escort Division, Captain Junichi Shimo and ships' Commanding Officers, Commander Toshikuni Miyata and Commander Takayuki Kaseda paid a courtesy call on Commander Western Naval Area, at SLNS Rangalla in Colombo. They held cordial discussions and exchange mementos as a gesture of goodwill.

JS "Suzunami" is 151 meters in length and has a displacement of 4,650 tons. It has a complement of 180 Naval personnel onboard. JS "Kirisame" is 151 meters in length and has a displacement of 4,550 tons. It has a complement of 190 Naval personnel onboard.

The ships will stay in Sri Lanka until 06th January and the ships' crews will participate in a special programme organized by the Sri Lanka Navy during their stay in Sri Lanka. The ships are heading home upon completion of an anti-piracy mission off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden.