Two Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) ships, “JS BUNGO” and “JS YAEYAMA” arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill and supply visit on 13th October 2014.
They were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions on arrival.
The head of the mission, Commander Minesweeper Division 51, Captain Keiji Yoshida and Ships’ Commanding Officers, Commander Takuya Sanada and Commander Kiyose Omatsu paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne at the Naval Headquarters in Colombo. They held cordial discussions and exchanged mementos as a gesture of goodwill.
“JS BUNGO” is a Minesweeper tender commanded by Commander Takuya Sanada. It has a length of 141 meters, displacement of 5700 tons and can carry 160 naval personnel onboard. “JS YAEYAMA” is a Minehunter/sweeper commanded by Commander Kiyose Omatsu. It is 67 meters in length, has a displacement of 1000 tons and can carry 60 naval personnel onboard.
The visiting Japanese ships will stay in Sri Lanka until 14th October.
[mappress] Press Release, October 14, 2014; Image: Sri Lanka Navy