Sri Lanka, India navies in anti-piracy drill

Sept 23, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lankan and Indian navies ended a joint exercise off the island's east coast Friday that included anti-piracy and interdiction operations, key concerns of both nations in protecting maritime commerce and coastlines. The High Commission of India said the 'SLINEX 2011' a joint exercise was held off the eastern port of Trincomalee from 19-23 September 2011.

It said in a statement six Indian naval ships, INS Ranvijay, INS Shivalik, INS Gharial, INS Khanjar, INS Cheriyam and INS Coradiv, along with integral helicopters and a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft took part in the exercise.

The Sri Lankan navy sent 11 vessels to participate in ˜SLINEX-2011’ which served as a platform for "exchanging useful experiences, enhancing interoperability and promoting mutual trust and understanding between the two navies."

It involved various naval exercises, including manoeuvring exercises, maritime interdiction operations, force protection measures, humanitarian and disaster relief and anti-piracy operations, the statement said.