Four years after the end of the armed conflict, Sri Lanka needs more naval assets said the Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
Addressing the Galle Dialogue 2013 event, and praising the Australian government's contribution to Sri Lanka's naval fleet, he said,
Addressing the Galle Dialogue 2013 event, and praising the Australian government's contribution to Sri Lanka's naval fleet, he said,
“The support of wealthier nations is sought for the procurement of such assets. In this context, I am particularly appreciative of the Australian Government’s decision to gift two large Bay Class patrol vessels to Sri Lanka next year. Such capacity augmentation will enable the Sri Lanka Navy, which is the best-suited force for this task, to combat illegal trafficking and contribute more to the stability and security of the Indian Ocean.”