P 627 PETROL VESSEL CEREMONIALLY COMMISSIONED AS VIJAYABAHU UNDER PRESIDENT’S PATRONAGE

The ship P 627 (Ex USCGC Douglas Munro) which was formally acquired to the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) from the United States (US) Coast Guard on 26th October 2021 was ceremonially commissioned by Honorable Ranil Wickremesinghe, the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces gracing the historic occasion as the chief guest at the East Container Terminal, Port of Colombo last evening (22 November 2022).

As an extension of bilateral ties and strengthening partnerships, P 627 was presented to the Sri Lanka Navy as the third ship handed over to Sri Lanka. This is the second ‘Hamilton Class High Endurance Cutter’ that is designed to carry 187 crew members and is equipped with modern weapons and machinery that will enhance the operational readiness of the SLN.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil attended the significant occasion along with his spouse, Mrs Sujeewa Nelson. The CDS and Mrs Sujeewa Nelson were warmly received by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil (D&SS) Maritime Pol, PG Dip in SM. The CDS congratulated the Commander of the Navy and the staff of the newly commissioned ship.

The event was also graced with the presence of HE the Ambassador USA to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, Mr Sagala Rathnayake the Senior Advisor to the President on National Security, the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, General GDH Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc MPhil, Commanders of Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka Air Force, diplomats and a number of dignitaries who extended their well wishes to the Commander of the Navy and all the members of the ship. All the invitees had a tour on board along with honourable President.