VAdm Damian Fernando, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, is on an official visit to India from 26 to 29 Aug 2026. The visit is aimed at further strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation and enhancing Navy-to-Navy engagements between India and Sri Lanka.

VAdm Damian Fernando was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at South Block, New Delhi, and paid homage to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial on 27 August 2026. He also held discussions with Adm Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff, on furthering bilateral maritime cooperation, including joint operations, capacity building, training and measures related to maritime security.

During the visit, VAdm Fernando is scheduled to meet senior defence officials, and also interact with representatives of the Indian defence industry to explore avenues for cooperation and collaboration.

As part of the visit, VAdm Fernando will travel to Kochi to visit Indian Naval training establishments and Headquarters Southern Naval Command, with a focus on enhancing training linkages and professional exchanges between the two navies.

The Sri Lanka Navy is an important and longstanding maritime partner of the Indian Navy. The visit of VAdm Damian Fernando is expected to further consolidate the longstanding and multifaceted Navy-to-Navy relationship between India and Sri Lanka, contributing to enhanced maritime cooperation and greater stability in the Indian Ocean Region.

******

VM/AS