Sri Lankan Navy acquires the First Ever US Vessel at a ceremony held in Washington

The “Courageous” at anchor	Vice Admiral Daya Sandagiri and Admiral Thomas Collins at the historic transfer ceremony. Ambassador Subasinghe looks on.

Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Daya Sandagiri accepted the transfer of the former US Coast Guard 210 foot Cutter “Courageous” at a ceremony held at the US Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington DC today. The Cutter now designated P-621 was transferred to the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy by Commandant of the Coast Guard Admiral Thomas Collins.

Admiral Collins stated that this was an important step in the burgeoning relationship between the two countries and he was delighted that the ship would be in the hands of true professionals. Whilst wishing the Sri Lankan Navy “fair weather and happy tidings” he mentioned that the new Captain of the ship has an enviable task ahead. Admiral Sandagiri, in turn thanked the US for selecting Sri Lanka for the transfer of this vessel and stated that the Sri Lankan Navy’s capabilities would be enhanced by this latest acquisition. Ambassador Devinda R. Subasinghe too thanked the US for this tangible support to Sri Lanka’s national security. The friendly relations both countries have enjoyed since the dawn of independence unabated are based on shared values of democracy and economic freedoms.

Admiral Sandagiri and the delegation also inspected the “Courageous” which is berthed in the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore prior to the transfer ceremony.

Admiral Sandagiri inspects the vessel with his staff

The Sri Lanka Navy team also comprised of Commodore Tisara Samarasinghe, Commodore Jayantha Perera, Commander Dhammika Goonetilake and Captain Sirimevan Ranasinghe. Brigadier Rohan Jayasinghe, the Defence, Military, Naval and Air Attaché of the Embassy too participated in this event.

The P-621 will now go through a comprehensive reactivation and refurbishing process in the US and once completed will set sail for Sri Lanka in the near future.

Admiral Sandagiri will conclude his visit with a call on Vice Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael G. Mullen and meetings with Deputy Secretary of State Mr Richard Armitage and Under Secretary, Arms Control and International Security Mr John Bolton.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington DC
USA

24 June 2004