HMS Montrose in Colombo

HMS Montrose, a frigate of the Royal Navy, was in Colombo as part of her routine deployment in the Indian Ocean. 

The Captain and crew welcomed on board students from Colombo and Galle, and during a tour of ship explained to them how the ship’s state-of-the-art helicopter, radar and missile defence technology is used. 

During the ship’s visit to Colombo the Captain met with State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy Rear Admiral J.J. Ranasinghe and Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral Nishantha Udugetenna. 

On her departure from port HMS Montrose took part in a short joint naval exercise with Sri Lanka Navy vessels.  Members of the 200-strong crew enjoyed the opportunity to visit Colombo’s historic sites. 

HMS Montrose has been deployed in the Pacific and Indian Oceans for several months, exercising with allies and contributing to regional security. During their deployment the ship’s crew have been working with regional naval teams to combat piracy and smuggling – and successfully intercepted vessels operating in contravention of UN sanctions.

The ship contributes to the UK’s international security presence, including through helping to ensure the security and safe passage of vessels in the Indian Ocean. Soon the ship will become the first forward-deployed frigate in many years when she will be based east of Suez for three years.

Sri Lanka and the UK have shared a long history of defence relations, strengthened by the appointment of a Resident Defence Adviser at the beginning of this year.