The Italian Naval Vessel ‘ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi’ arrived in Sri Lanka on 9 September 2026 on a replenishment visit, with the Sri Lanka Navy welcoming the visiting ship at the Port of Colombo in accordance with established naval traditions.
The arrival of the vessel places a major Italian naval platform in Colombo as part of its scheduled visit to Sri Lanka. The visit is centred on replenishment, while also providing an opportunity for engagement between the two navies during the ship’s stay.
‘ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi’ is a 180m long Landing Helicopter Aircraft Vessel commanded by Captain Marco GUERRIERO. Its arrival was formally received by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Port of Colombo, reflecting the customary ceremonial procedures associated with visits by foreign naval vessels.
The presence of the Italian vessel in Colombo provides a setting for professional interaction between the visiting Italian naval personnel and their Sri Lankan counterparts. Such port visits also enable naval forces to maintain contact and strengthen professional relations through established naval protocols and engagements.
During the ship’s stay in Sri Lanka, Captain Marco GUERRIERO, the Commanding Officer of ‘ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi’, is scheduled to call on the Commander Western Naval Area. The scheduled meeting will form part of the official engagements associated with the vessel’s visit.
The call highlights the institutional nature of the visit, bringing the commanding officer of the Italian vessel into direct contact with the senior naval leadership responsible for Sri Lanka’s Western Naval Area. It is expected to provide an opportunity for formal interaction between the two sides while the Italian vessel remains in Colombo.
The arrival of ‘ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi’ therefore combines a practical replenishment visit with official naval engagement. Welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions and accompanied by a scheduled meeting between its commanding officer and the Commander Western Naval Area, the visit represents a formal point of contact between the Italian and Sri Lankan navies.
With the vessel remaining in Sri Lanka for the duration of its scheduled stay, attention will now turn to its official engagements in Colombo, including the Commanding Officer’s call on the Commander Western Naval Area.
