This morning, the port of Colombo witnessed the arrival of three warships from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy: the destroyer “HE FEI” and the Landing Platform Docks “WUZHISHAN” and “QILIANSHAN.” The Sri Lanka Navy extended a warm welcome to these vessels, adhering to traditional naval customs.
The “HE FEI,” a formidable 144.5-meter-long destroyer, is commanded by Captain Chen Junfeng and carries a crew of 267. Joining it are the “WUZHISHAN” and “QILIANSHAN,” each measuring 210 meters in length. The “WUZHISHAN,” under Captain Fei Zhang, has a complement of 872 sailors, while the “QILIANSHAN,” commanded by Captain Xiong Binghon, hosts 334 crew members.
During their stay, the commanding officers will engage with Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, Commander of the Western Naval Area, at the Western Naval Command Headquarters. The visit aims to strengthen maritime relations through various activities, including crew interactions with Sri Lanka Navy personnel, local excursions, and briefings on the operational capabilities of the visiting ships.
The Chinese warships are scheduled to depart Colombo on August 29, concluding their visit with a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) involving a Sri Lankan naval vessel.
In related naval news, the Indian Navy’s frontline warship, INS Mumbai, is set to arrive in Colombo on August 26 for a three-day visit. The ship, which will be received by the Sri Lanka Navy, is the third of the Delhi-class destroyers. Commissioned in January 2001, INS Mumbai was built at Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai and underwent a mid-life upgrade before joining the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam on December 8, 2023.
This visit marks INS Mumbai’s first call to a Sri Lankan port and is the eighth by Indian naval vessels this year. The ship’s visit follows earlier calls by INS Kabra, Karanj, Kamorta, and Shalki, as well as Indian Coast Guard vessels Samarth, Abhinav, and Sachet.
The Indian High Commission noted that INS Mumbai would deliver essential spares for the Dornier maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Sri Lanka Air Force. This aircraft plays a crucial role in surveillance over Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and has significantly enhanced search and rescue capabilities since its induction two years ago. The Indian Navy is also supporting the Sri Lanka Air Force with technical expertise and spares for the Dornier aircraft.
While in Colombo, INS Mumbai will conduct a familiarization tour for Sri Lanka Navy personnel to share best practices. The Indian Navy has a history of port calls to Sri Lankan ports, typically involving Operational Turn Around (OTR) activities, including refueling, provisioning, and crew rest. The ship’s visit will also feature joint activities such as sports fixtures, yoga sessions, and beach cleanups.
Following its stay, INS Mumbai will depart on August 29, rounding off a significant week of naval diplomacy in Sri Lanka.
