Three Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) ships, Kashima TV-3508, Shirayuki TV-3517 and Isoyuki DD-127, arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 24th September 2013.
The ships with Cadet School Graduates of the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force are in Sri Lanka with the intention of promoting friendship between the two countries as part of their training cruise. They were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions on their arrival.
Head of the team, Commander Japan Training Squadron, Rear Admiral Fumiyuki Kitagawa and Kashima’s Commanding Officer, Captain Toshihiro Ohno paid a courtesy call on Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage at the Naval Headquarters in Colombo. They held cordial discussions and exchanged mementos as a gesture of goodwill.
“Kashima” is a training ship, which is 143 meters in length. It consists of a complement of 360 naval personnel and has a displacement of 4,050 tons. “Shirayuki” is a destroyer. It is 130 meters in length and has a displacement of 2,950 tons. It consists of a complement of 200 naval personnel. “Isoyuki” is also a destroyer with a patrol helicopter onboard. It is 130 meters in length and has a displacement of 2,950 tons. It consists of a complement of 200 naval personnel.
The ships’ complements will participate in a special programme organized by the Sri Lanka Navy during their stay in Sri Lanka. The visiting Japanese ships will stay in Sri Lanka until 26th September.
[mappress] Press Release, September 25, 2013; Image: Sri Lanka Navy