An Indian Navy warship has brought back ten Sri Lankan Navy personnel, who were in India attending a training course conducted by the Indian Navy, after the conclusion of the course, Colombo Page reported. 

In the backdrop of suspended international air travel between Sri Lanka and India due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian Navy warship brought the Sri Lankan navy personnel to the Southern seas and Sri Lanka Navy made arrangements to bring them to the shore.

A patrol vessel of Indian Navy INS Shardha brought the navy personnel to Sri Lanka's South Coast and a Fast Attack Craft (FAC) belonging to the Southern Naval Command of Sri Lanka Navy brought them to the Galle Harbor today (11).

The Navy has taken steps to subject the navy personnel to a complete disinfection process according to the Health Guidelines and direct them to a 14-day quarantine.

Meanwhile, India's Deputy High Commissioner Vinod Jacob made a token handover of the fourth consignment of essential medicines and medical items to Minister of Foreign Relations Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Health and Indigenous Medical Services Pavithra Wanniarachchi, and Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha at the Ministry of Foreign Relations.

The consignment, which consists of around 12.5 tonnes of medicines and equipment arrived by a special Indian flight on 8 May 2020 in Sri Lanka, marks Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to assist the neighboring and partner countries to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the symbolic handing over event, the Deputy High Commissioner called on the Foreign Relations Minister for a brief meeting to review the ongoing bilateral cooperation in the fields of politics, trade, tourism, health and regional affairs.

The Foreign Relations Minister appreciated the continued support of India in sharing vital resources including medical supplies as donations in the current period of common challenges. Minister Gunawardena expressed gratitude to the Indian Government for expeditious action in relation to the repatriation of Sri Lankan nationals in India in the midst of a national lockdown.

 
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