Defence Attachés visit Hambantota International Port

Monday, 21 March 2022 00:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Group picture with the DAs

Presentation by HIPS General Manager Capt. Miyuru Gunasekara at the 12th floor of the Hambantota Maritime Centre

Defence Attachés (DAs) representing several countries made a recent tour of the port to familiarise themselves with the port’s activities.

Some of them showed interest in directing their country’s naval vessels to Hambantota International Port (HIP) for replenishment and for husbandry services while operating in the region.

The visiting group represented the USA, Maldives, France, Germany, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland.

The delegates were received by Hambantota International Port Services (HIPS) General Manager Capt. Miyuru Gunasekara and HIPS Security Specialist, Kawantissa Naval Base Commanding Officer, Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) Dilan Silva representing Navy and ISPS aspects.

Representatives from the Sri Lanka Army and Police were also present. This visit was approved by the Ministry of Defence.

“The visiting delegation showed interest in the port’s history, facilities, security and future developments, and the event was concluded with a familiarisation tour within the port premises. They were impressed with the facilities and commented on the record operational performance of the port achieved within such a short period. It was a pleasure to host them at HIP,” said HIPS GM Capt. Miyuru Gunasekara.

Recently two Indian naval vessels visited HIP for replenishments and husbandry services. In past years, naval vessels from Japan, Indonesia, Russia and USA have called at the port of Hambantota. HIP is a deep water multipurpose port with a depth of 17 metres.