Lanka , Japan navies conduct ‘passage exercise’ off Colombo

A Japanese vessel leaving Colombo (Pic courtesy Navy media)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) training ships ‘KASHIMA’ and ‘SETOYUKI’ arrived in Sri Lanka on a three-day visit on 18th June 2021 and conducted a passage exercise (PASSEX) with the Sri Lanka Navy as they departed from the port of Colombo on Sunday (20).

The exercise comprising formations and ship manoeuvres, communication exercises, etc., was joined by Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Sagara off the Colombo harbour.

Conducted in accordance with the COVID-19 protocol, exercises of this nature would enhance mutual cooperation between the two navies and help gain new knowledge on maritime operations, exchange strategies and experience, identify new challenges and find collective solutions for them, Navy Headquarters Spokesman said.