Grand reception for French naval ship Aconit

A grand reception was held onboard the French naval ship Aconit last week. The ship is on a seven-day goodwill visit to Sri Lanka. State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardena graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, and Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne and French Ambassador to Sri Lanka Jean-Marie attended the reception onboard. The dignitaries were accorded a Guard of Honour upon their arrival onboard the ship. Further they held cordial discussions on matters of bilateral importance as well. A lunch was hosted by the French naval officers for the distinguished guests and mementos were also exchanged to mark the occasion.