Highlighting the spirit of global and regional cooperation, the Sri Lanka Navy today acknowledged the invaluable support extended by foreign warships that arrived to participate in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 and assisted with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations during the recent severe weather disaster in Sri Lanka.
The IFR 2025 was held off the Galle Face seafront as part of the Sri Lanka Navy’s 75th anniversary celebrations. Representing the Government of Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attended the event and received the traditional naval salute onboard SLNS Gajabahu as participating foreign warships paid their honours.
Eight foreign naval vessels arrived in Sri Lanka by 27 November to take part in the IFR under the theme “Sailing Strong – Together.” The participating ships included the Bangladesh Navy’s BNS Prottoy; the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri; the Iranian Navy’s IRIS Naghdi; the Maldivian Coast Guard’s CGS Huravee; the Royal Malaysian Navy’s KD Terengganu; the Pakistan Navy’s PNS Saif; and the Russian Navy’s Gremyashchy.
Due to the disaster situation triggered by severe weather conditions across the island, the foreign warships were promptly redirected to support humanitarian operations, the Navy said. Helicopters deployed from the Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant and the Pakistan Navy’s PNS Saif played a particularly commendable role in search and rescue missions for affected communities.
Despite these challenges, the warships representing each nation later joined the IFR, honouring shared maritime traditions and expressing solidarity with Sri Lanka and its Navy. Their participation also reinforced the importance of collective cooperation and partnerships in addressing non-traditional maritime threats and natural disasters linked to climate change.
The Prime Minister expressed her appreciation to diplomatic officials present for their countries’ support in the disaster relief efforts. The officials represented the High Commissions and Embassies of Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Malaysia, Pakistan and Russia in Sri Lanka.
