India-Sri Lanka Joint Hydrographic Operations off Sri Lankan South West Coast

Indian Navy

New Delhi: Indian Navy’s Sandhayak class Hydrographic Survey Ship INS Jamuna (J16) commanded by Captain HA Hardas arrived in Colombo on February 6, and has been deployed on a mutual agreement to carry out Joint Hydrographic Survey off the South West Coast of Sri Lanka.

The Commanding Officer called on Rear Admiral Sisira Jayakody, Chief Hydrographer of Sri Lanka Navy and Rear Admiral SA Weerasinghe, Commander Western Naval Area.

Over the two months deployment period, the ship will carry out detailed hydrographic surveys and several shore-based survey activities. Sri Lanka Navy personnel will embark the ship during the conduct of the Joint Survey. Additionally Sri Lanka Navy personnel will also be provided ‘hands on’ survey training during every operational turn around in port.

As a precursor to the survey operations at sea, several shore-based survey activities were progressed during the ship’s stay in Colombo harbour including familiarisation visit of Sri Lankan personnel onboard, briefing on capabilities of the ship, and a Harbour Training Programme for the SLN sailors. INS Jamuna also hosted a meeting between Rear Admiral Sisira Jayakody, Chief Hydrographer of Sri Lankan Navy, officers of Sri Lankan hydrographic department and Indian officers of the ship.