In commemoration of the 77th Independence Day of India and the strengthening of India- Sri Lanka relations, the Indian Navy Dornier aircraft was handed over to the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay presented the aircraft to Chief of Staff and Senior Adviser to the President on National Security Sagala Ratnayaka at the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Base Katunayake.
Senior officials from Sri Lanka Air Force and the Defence Adviser of India attended the event. The India-made Dornier is the second such aircraft to be deployed with SLAF on lease under Government of India grant. It replaces the first Indian Navy Dornier aircraft which returned to India for scheduled maintenance after one year of service since its ceremonial handing over to President Ranil Wickremesinghe one year ago.
The induction of state of the art Indian Navy Dornier Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft would increase the surveillance capability of Sri Lanka and would be force multiplier for the Sri Lanka Air Force.
High Commissioner Baglay said that India has remained committed towards capacity building and sustained development of Sri Lanka Defence forces, as a reflection of the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of security and growth for all in the region. He said that this engagement would be further cemented by sourcing of additional Dornier aircraft by Sri Lanka with Indian assistance in the future.
The arrival of the Indian Navy reconnaissance aircraft is indicative of the growing cooperation and friendship between the two nations. High Commissioner Baglay said that the Indian Navy Dornier deployed last year made significant contribution towards maritime reconnaissance and missions.