New Delhi: To mark its 75th Independence Day on Monday, India presented a Dornier maritime reconnaissance aircraft to Sri Lanka to bolster its maritime security.
It presented the aircraft to the neighboring country in a special ceremony held at the Sri Lanka Air Force Base, Katunayake.
The Sri Lankan military and air force personnel, who have completed nearly four months of training in India, will fly it. They would also get operational support.
Those present on the occasion included Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay, Chief of Staff to the President Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief of Defense Staff General Kamal Gunaratne, Vice-Admiral S.N. Ghormade, and the Chiefs of the Sri Lankan Army, Navy, and Air Force.
High Commissioner Baglay said the new aircraft would contribute to the development and prosperity of the people of Sri Lanka and India by fostering a peaceful environment.
As a force multiplier, the aircraft would help Sri Lanka combat problems like smuggling, other organized crimes, and human and drug trafficking in its coastal seas. Besides providing security in the Indian Ocean region, the aircraft would also be helpful in research and conducting rescue operations.
Marine Security is one of the pillars of the Colombo Security Conclave.
(Venkatesh)