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Australia has handed over a shallow water multibeam echo sounder to the Sri Lanka Navy in a bizarre delivery this month.
The equipment is expected to significantly boost Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities, although the Sri Lanka Armed Forces already receive significant military support from major partners, including China, Russia, Pakistan and India.
Australian officials handed over the state-of-the-art shallow water multibeam echo sounder, the first of its kind received by the navy, to the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service during a ceremony held at SLNS Rangalla on 18 February.
The formal ceremony was held under the auspices of the high commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka Paul Stephens and Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.
“The Australian government provided the Sri Lanka Navy with this multibeam echo sounder to enhance its hydrographic capabilities. This advanced equipment will enable the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service to conduct precise hydrographic surveys, essential for creating nautical and electronic charts for international use,” the Sri Lanka Navy said in a statement.
“The device will also facilitate the production of high-precision nautical charts, ensuring safer maritime navigation.
Navy Vice Admiral Banagoda said the supplied technology will accelerate hydrographic surveys, facilitate the creation of up-to-date nautical charts and improve the safety and efficiency of maritime operations in Sri Lankan waters.
“The Navy Commander also acknowledged Australia’s ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s maritime development, referencing previous contributions, including the provision of Bay Class vessels, Rathnadeepa and Mihikatha,” according to the statement.
“He concluded by reaffirming the strong bilateral relations and cooperation between the two nations, rooted in a shared commitment to safe navigation, sustainable marine resource management, and strengthened regional maritime security.”
Following the address by the Australian high commissioner, the event featured special recognition for Able Seaman RBG Chinthaka of the Sri Lanka Navy. The sailor was recognised for his outstanding performance during the Hydrographic Surveying Initial Employment Training Course conducted by the Royal Australian Navy Hydrographic School.
Subsequent to the formal handing over procedures, the Australian high commissioner and the Commander of the Navy, accompanied by a group of distinguished invitees, boarded the vessel P267 to assess the operational capabilities of the newly installed equipment.
The deputy high commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Lalita Kapur; Defence adviser to the Australian High Commission in Colombo, Colonel Amanda Johnston, diplomatic corps; chairman of the National Hydrographic Council, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Sisira Jayakody; Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Damian Fernando; Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chandima Silva; officers from the Navy Board of Management and a group of senior and junior officers were also present.
