23.05.2013 - Thursday

Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) Leader Douglas Devananda who currently serves as the Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister of the Cabinet speaks to Daily Mirror on a wide range of issues from the planned Northern Provincial Council election to   the alleged land-grabbing in the north. Minister Devananda stood against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) even during the height of terrorism. He survived many a suicide bomb attack that targeted him. He is a former militant who underwent training. He joined the democratic stream after the signing of the 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord which introduced the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

Q:Nowadays, there is talk about the Northern Provincial Council. There are views for and against it.  How important is this election in your perspective?

It is my dream to have the Northern Provincial Council constituted. I look forward to it. It is important in a different context. The Tamil people were confronted with three issues mainly - denial of political rights, absence of developmental activities in their areas    and LTTE terrorism.  Terrorism has been wiped out now. Development of the north has been fast tracked. It means the two problems have been sorted out.  Yet, there remains the political question that needs to be addressed. For it, the Constitution of the Northern Provincial Council is important as the first step.   We can start with the meaningful implementation of the Constitution. I am not asking for the sun and the moon. What I ask for is a practical step.  I consider President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the father of the nation because he defeated terrorism, an act considered impossible by many.  If you demand the pound of flesh at once, you will not get it at once. You should not be adamant in your demand. You get whatever possible initially. That is practical with daily life as well.  

"People in the south will feel suspicious if such powers are given to the north. Likewise, people in the north will feel suspicious if these powers are not given.  Therefore, the devolution of these two powers can be held back for the time being "

Q:Yet, there is opposition in the south against the devolution of police and land powers to the Provincial Council under the 13th Amendment which provided for the establishment of the Provincial Council system.  You are an advocate of the 13th Amendment. What are your views on it?

There is currently misunderstanding between the communities over the devolution of land and police powers. People in the south will feel suspicious if such powers are given to the north. Likewise, people in the north will feel suspicious if these powers are not given.  Therefore, the devolution of these two powers can be held back for the time being until better understanding is created among the communities over the matter. The Northern Provincial Council can be constituted sans these powers for the moment.  It does not mean that I do not want police and land powers. They are needed. For the time being only, it can be held back.  

Q:If the election is held, will you contest the election as the Chief Ministerial candidate?

As I said, the constitution of this council is my dream.  I feel that I should contest. However, the President asked me once not to contest because he did not want to lose a Tamil Minister in his Cabinet. He asked me this right in front of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a couple of years ago in the Maldives, during the SAARC summit.  The Indian Prime Minister is a witness to it.  I still feel I should contest.

Q:Will you make a decision on your own or listen to the President's request?

The President is the father of the nation.  I have to initiate a dialogue with him on this matter. So far, there have been casual discussions. I should enter into formal dialogues with the government.

Q:At previous elections such as the Parliamentary election, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) won in the north.  The ruling alliance which you represented polled only the second highest number of votes.  Then, how confident are you of winning this election planned to be held in September?

At the 2010 Parliamentary election, I expected to win the Jaffna district with six seats including the bonus member's. Yet, in the run-up to the election, there was a case in which a youth was abducted and killed.  A TNA politician was responsible for it, but they put the blame on me. I had to bear the brunt of it, although I was not responsible at all. The TNA carried out malicious propaganda against me. That is the main case for me being relegated to the second position.  Still, I polled the highest number of preferential votes.  For me, the TNA stands for 'Tiger Nominated Agents'.  

Q:At this election, will you field candidates under the Veena symbol of your EPDP or under the Betel symbol of the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA)?

Most of my supporters and well-wishers believe that I can perform better under the Veena symbol. That is the general feeling. However, I should discuss it with the government.  These are matters pending at the moment to be agreed upon.

Q:Are you sure that the government will conduct this election?

When rainy clouds are there in the sky, one can anticipate that it is going to rain.

Q:Also, do you still stick to your demand that the north and the east should be re-merged?

It is up to the people to decide. Yet, it is more like a settled issue now. Nobody talks about it now. Even the TNA refers to it only in their election manifestos.  

"As I said, the constitution of this council is my dream.  I feel that I should contest. However, the President asked me once not to contest because he did not want to lose a Tamil Minister in his Cabinet"

Q:Countries such as the United States (US) and India have taken an interest in this election. What do you think of such interest by external parties?

Everybody is interested in it. They may have their own agendas to have this election. My interest is always different to theirs. I want genuine national reconciliation.

Q:Apart from politics, there are allegations about land-grabbing in the north.  Is there any element of truth in these allegations?

I am also not happy with the way the land issue is being handled by the authorities concerned.   I will take up this matter with the government. The TNA raised this issue. They have a different interest. My interest is different to theirs. They do not want the problem to be solved. They want to thrive on it for political expedience.

23.05.2013 - Thursday

Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development, Douglas Devananda participating at the ceremony held at "Periyamuhandeen Jumma" Mosque in Manipay Street, Jaffna on the 16th of May 2013, To mark the donation of 50 bicycles to the school children of the resettled Muslims in Jaffna and low income earning self-employed, said that he was donating the bicycles consequent to a request made by those who participated at a meeting held at Usmaniya Collage chaired by him. He also said that he donated 50 bicycles to the Muslims students and 1000 zinc sheets among the resettled the Muslims at the meeting he participated at Usmaniya College.

The cost involved has been borne by the Northern Provincial Council at a request made by the Minister from Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, the Governor of the Northern Province.

The Minister also said that appropriate steps would be taken to sort-out the problems faced by the resettled Muslims in phases. Mr. Sharafdeen, the Municipal Council people's representative, speaking at the occasion thanked the Hon. Minister and the Governor of Northern Province for the keen interest shown by them in catering to the affairs of the Muslims resettled in Jaffna district. 

Mr. Illangovan, the Secretary to the Governor of the North and Mr. Kamaleshvaran, Jaffna district EPDP organizer also participated at the occasion.

23.05.2013 - Thursday

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development, participating as the chief guest at a ceremony held at Kopay National College of Education on the 14th of May 2013 to mark the awarding of certificates to a batch of Buddhist Monks who had pursued a course in Tamil language, said that the clergy including Buddhist Monks needed to learn both Sinhala and Tamil languages and it was through such a course of action that National and Religious Peace could be built on.

This Tamil language training programme had been organized by Rev. Uyangalle Gnarathana Thero, the Consultant, Language Training Division of the Department of Education. The batch of Buddhist Monks pursued the course of study being resident in the college premises. They also visited several villages in Jaffna Peninsula for availing themselves of an in-depth knowledge of Tamil culture whilst following the course of study.

The Hon. Minister speaking further said that when the Draft Bill for enthroning Sinhala as official language was presented to the Parliament, Dr. Colvin R. de Silva, the then Deputy Leader of Lanka Sama Samaja Party, and a well respected leftist had said that if there were two official languages it would pave the way for the country continuing to be unitary and if it was one language it would be two countries. The left movement of Sri Lanka had been working right throughout for the National unity of the country having well perceived its importance towards a developed Nation, added the Minister.

The Minister also said that the Buddhist Monks well respected by the Sinhala Buddhists in our country must make it a point to study Tamil language and culture to rid of any misconception that had been perceived in the minds of the Sinhalese about Tamils. Speaking at length, the Minister said that Rev. Uyangalle Ganarathana Thero had submitted to him a project proposal for setting up of a Language Training Centre for clergy and that it had been handed over to the Secretary, Provincial Ministry of Education with due recommendation for implementation.

Rev. Uyangalle Ganarathana Thero speaking at the occasion said that he was extremely thankful to the Minister for extending his support to make the training course, a complete success. He also said that he appreciated the Ministers willingness to setup a Language Training Centre in the North for the clergy to give them the opportunity for studying other languages which he said was important, given the present context of the world.

Mr. Sathyaseelan Secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Education and the Principal of Kopay National College of Education also spoke. Top brass of both Police and Army in the Northern Province too participated at this event.

23.05.2013 - Thursday

We can build up our war devastated area and our lives only if the Tamil people unite in the development works, said EPDP Parliamentarian and Deputy Leader of Parliamentary Committees Murugesu Chandrakumar. He stated this in his address participating in a function held to supply electricity with a cost of Rs.14 million under the Vadakkin Vasantham scheme to the Vivekanandanagar of Kilinochchi Karaichachy Divisional Secretary Division, yesterday.

When the displaced returned back to this area for resettlement three and half years back they saw only bushes and debris. But during this 3 ½ years this district was developed significantly. These changes were never expected. The people of this area made this change with their hard work.  Still we have to move further to achieve our target.  We all have to unite and work harder to develop our divested life.  It is our duty to create a rich future for our younger generation.

For the first time the Vivekananda village was supplied with electricity.  Very soon water supply is to be provided.  All the infrastructure works are being taken forward.  We are striving to provide this village with all facilities, the MP said further.

This function was held on the head of Rural Development Society President Kanagalingam and attended by Electricity Board Vadakkin Vasantham Planning Manager Gunaseelan, Karaichchy Pradesa Sabai Members Krishnasamy and Ramachandran, EPDP District Organizer Thavanathan, Electrical Superintendent Chaminda and Kugaraj, Kilinochchi Palm Cooperative General Manager, Thurairajah and many others.

23.05.2013 - Thursday

The strict lamps in the Vadamaratchi east were defunct for a long time after the supply of high pressure electricity.  Now they were set right and illumined.

These street lamps were set right with the fund allocated by Point Pedro Pradeshiya Sabai opposition Leader Iyathurai Sri Rangeswaran.

These street lamps came to standstill due to high pressure electricity and the public of this area made complaints to the Pradesa Sabai authorities repeatedly but no action was taken for the last nine months.

Opposition leader Rangeswaran spent his own money to illumine these street lamps.

Further he installed 08 new lamp posts and illumined Vadamaratchi east and Philipneri Church areas from his allocation.

23.05.2013 - Thursday

Clearing the air after months of speculations on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, the government yesterday confirmed that the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) Elections would be held in September as declared by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Cabinet spokesman, Petroleum Industries Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa addressing the weekly Cabinet news briefing at the Information Department said government had no intention whatsoever to postpone the Northern PC polls, repeal the 13th Amendment or introduce amendments to the Constitution to remove police and land powers to the provinces.

"I can assure you that the government has not taken a decision to make any changes to the existing legislative procedure in respect of Provincial Councils. President Rajapaksa has clearly stated that the elections to the Northern PC would be held in September and therefore the status quo remains," Minister Yapa reiterated.

Various comments and protests had been made for and against the PC system and preferential voting system since they were introduced in 1987 and 1978 respectively. The JVP set fire to the entire country in 1987 when the 13th Amendment was introduced to create the PC system but later they fell in line and contested the PC polls, he said.

Commenting on protests to the conducting of Northern PC polls by certain constituent partners such as the JHU and the NFF within the UPFA government, Minister Yapa said constituent partners of the UPFA government were entitled to their individual opinion.

On a move by the JHU to present a private member’s bill in Parliament to repeal the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, Minister Yapa said private members had presented bills in the legislature since the time of the Stat Council. The government did not want to repeal the 13th Amendment and the private member’s bills were private matters of the respective political parties or members, but not of the government.

Minister Yapa said if the government introduced the Constitution or amendments to the Constitution it would be through a consensus by all stakeholders and that was why the government took measures to constitute a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to discuss all issues related to power devolution, police and land powers to PCs and security issues of the provinces.

"Unfortunately, the TNA keeps us in suspense and has not nominated its representatives to the PSC. The government would resort to a power devolution process or introduce constitutional changes only through an extensive political interaction with all political parties and other stakeholders. However, the government is glad to see that the TNA is getting ready to contest the Northern PC polls and has accepted the concept of a united Sri Lanka,' Minister Yapa added.

23.05.2013 - Thursday

A delegation from Uganda is in Sri Lanka to obtain first hand experience and for consultations with Sri Lankan health authorities to establish a free health service in Uganda, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

The spokesman said the seven member Ugandan team will study how Sri Lanka’s free health service functions through the network of state hospitals, how Sri Lanka achieved top positions in International Health indicators, etc.

The team will visit Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, Galle, Kandy Teaching Hospital, and Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital in the next few days.

Health Ministry Secretary Dr Nihal Jayatilleke told them that Sri Lanka’s free health service has been in existence for 75 years and 99 percent of child births in Sri Lanka take place in hospitals and out of them 95 percent deliveries take place under the observation of specialist doctors. Dr Jayatilleke also told the delegation that Sri Lanka’s current maternal mortality rate is only 31 per 100,000 births and the infant mortality rate is only nine per 1,000 live births.

"Sri Lanka is aiming at lowering this figure to five by 2016.

The current life expectancy of a Sri Lankan woman is 78 years and it is 74 for a man. The National Immunization programme covers 100 percent of the country," he said.

23.05.2013 - Thursday

A French Naval Ship arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on Wednesday (22) with 56 naval personnel on board.

The ship 'Jacques Cartier' will continue to be docked at the Colombo port until the Vesak celebrations are over, which falls on this weekend. The 80-meter long "Jacques Cartier" is a Landing Ship Tank with a displacement of 1,330 tons.

The ship's commanding officer Lieutenant Commander Amaury Moreau De Bellaing paid a courtesy call on Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe of the Sri Lanka Navy at the Western Naval Command Headquarters in Colombo.

23.05.2013 - Thursday

The Prime Minister of Thailand Yingluck Shinawatra is set to address parliament on May 31, Deputy Parliamentary Speaker Chandima Weerakkody stated today (May 22).

Addressing the parliament today, Weerakkody said that the Prime Minister of Thailand will address the Sri Lankan parliament on May 31 at 2.45pm

The crew of the ship during their stay in the country will take part in a joint program with Sri Lanka Navy to strengthen the relationship between the two forces. Naval personnel will also take part in building a pre-school in the village of Balagala, located in Wattala, a suburban area situated closer to the capital Colombo.

The village has over 80 families whose main livelihood is manual labor and fishing.

The 'Jacques Cartier' has been built in the Naval Shipyards of the French West, Grand Quevilly, which was commissioned on September.

23.05.2013 - Thursday

Speech By Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Traditional Industries And Small Enterprise Development on The Occasion of The National Day of Norway on Wednesday, 22nd May, 2013

It is indeed an honor to represent the Government of Sri Lanka on this auspicious occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Norway. On behalf of His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Government and people of Sri Lanka, it is a pleasure to extend good wishes and warm felicitations to His Majesty, King Harald V, the Government and people of Norway on this memorable occasion.

Formal diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Norway were established on 13th October 1950. However, the partnership between the two countries dates back to 1967 when Norway first started funding development programmes in Sri Lanka. This economic partnership with a development dimension was formalized in 1976 through a development cooperation agreement. With the setting up of a NORAD Office, Norwegian Development assistance has continued for more than 30 years and amounted to more than 700 million dollars in grants.  In the mean time successful Business Match Making Program (BMMP) has provided opportunities for Sri Lankan Companies to develop enduring business partnerships in Norway. Ties between Norway and Sri Lanka have continued to flourish over the past five decades and have broadened to encompass the political, economic, social and cultural spheres.

Norway’s facilitation of Sri Lanka’s peace process, while giving rise to a wide spectrum of views in the country, also demonstrated the close ties between the two countries. Following the renewed economic partnership, it is an opportune time to redefine our relations in the political sphere.  It is noteworthy that these political ties have received a valuable impetus in recent years with interactions at high political level.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

With the economic resurgence of Sri Lanka following the defeat of terrorism and Sri Lanka’s graduation to a middle income country, the economic and trade dimension of our relations has gained added focus. I am happy to mention that the tourism industry in Sri Lanka is gaining rapid momentum with the dawn of peace and stability in the country. People to people contacts have increased with an increasing number of tourists from Norway visiting the country to enjoy the warm hospitality and the tropical climate of the island. Lonely Planet, the largest travel guidebook and digital media publisher in the world, ranked Sri Lanka as the best country to visit in 2013. Our authentic tourist destinations are enriched with wildlife, scenic beauty, mind and body wellness, sports and simplistic cultural diversity.

Sri Lanka and Norway have also reached remarkable heights in the higher education sector and a number of students from Sri Lanka avail of education facilities available in Norway. Sri Lanka has also initiated two scholarship opportunities to Norway from the year 2012, for undergraduate and postgraduate education to facilitate the contact between our two countries. The exchange of students allows the appreciation of each other’s enriched culture and lays a solid foundation for long-term friendship and understanding, among the peoples of the two countries. Growing cultural links and exchange is another boost to strengthen people to people contacts.   In this context, I would like to thank H.E. Ambassador Ms. Grete Lochen for her support for the Jaffna Music Festival in March.

Your country, for more than a decade has been involved in Sri Lanka as facilitator of the peace process in our country. Now our country, under the leadership of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, has not only get rid of the terrorist menace but also embarked on a mission to rebuild the war torn areas and to rejuvenate and invigorate the economy of the Nation. The three decades of armed conflict has caused enormous damage, in terms of livelihood, infrastructure and economy. To recover the setback of over three decades, within a short span of time is an impossible task. We request countries like Norway to facilitate for the transfer of technological expertise to revitalize our economy. For Example your country has the expertise on fish farming, maritime engineering and bio refining. Our country is in need of such technological transfer for acceleration of the economy, particularly in the conflict affected areas.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please join me in a toast,

To the health and happiness of His Majesty King Harald V.

To the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Norway; and

To longstanding friendship and cooperation between our two countries

22.05.2013 -  Wednesday

Education is the life and breath of our community.  If our community realize this fully we can achieve all betterment and our community will be given a higher place, in the society said EPDP Parliamentarian and Deputy Leader of Parliamentary Committees Murugesu Chandrakumar. He stated this in his address participating as the chief guest in the prize awarding function of the Sakthi Education Centre of Pallai yesterday.

Further he said, today we are changing as a community that gives preference for education.  The prevailed war drove our community backward.  But the present situation has given an opportunity to develop the education. Our Kilinochchi District is developing rapidly in education.  The students must realize the truth that the future of our community is depending on them.

The private education centres assist the students but the government schools should shoulder the entire responsibility of the students- education.  Otherwise it could affect the education of poor children, the MP emphasized.

22.05.2013 -  Wednesday

All necessary steps should be taken to develop the education of our children, said EPDP Jaffna District organizer Kandasamy Kamalendran (Kamal).

He stated this in his address participating as the chief guest in the meeting held to discuss regarding the development works of Sri Lanka Vidyalayam of Alvai on the head of Principal Indralingam, on the 17.

Further he said, necessary action should be taken to improve the education of our students to a higher standard by the educated community.  Do not ignore the education saying it is difficult, Schools should use all the resources available and work hard for the betterment of the school and student.  Parents should take more care of their children and make them study at home repeating the school works. Most of our past Tamil intelligentsia had their education in the rural schools without any basic facilities.  Still they are being remembered by all and their outstanding Statues are in the Colombo city.

We cannot leave this school as a deteriorated one. We will allocate Rs. One hundred thousand for this School from the decentralized budget of our Parliamentarians and further funds will be allocated to put up lavatories etc. as soon as possible. 

EPDP international Coordinator Vinthan, Northern Province Education Development Committee Chairman Selvavadivel and many others participated.

22.05.2013 - Wednesday

The Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Minister Dilan Perera requested Sri Lankans who are in Saudi Arabia illegally to use the grace period granted by the Saudi government and return to the island.

He stated that there were between 5000 to 6000 Sri Lankans who were unable to return to the country from Saudi Arabia for various reasons and still remain there. The Saudi government decided to give those in the country illegally a grace period until July 3 to leave while the Minister explained that those who remain there illegally beyond this time period will be sentenced to serve two years in prison in Saudi Arabia.

The Sri Lankan Embassy in the Kingdom will work 24-hours a day to supply the Sri Lankans with temporary passports, the Minister further explained while adding that around 400 Lankans had already received permits to leave the country.

22.05.2013 - Wednesday

The Singaporean government has decided to pass on their modern medical knowledge to Sri Lankan doctors and nurses.

Accordingly, three groups of 40 doctors and nurses will be annually deployed to Singapore, said the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Sunil De Alwis.

22.05.2013 - Wednesday

The 'SAARC Film Festival 2013' organized by the SAARC Cultural Centre will be held from May 26th to 31st at the cinema of the National Film Cooperation, Colombo.

At this film festival held for the third consecutive year, cinematic pieces representing Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka will be screened and the best will be awarded.
 
The inauguration of the film festival will be held at 05:00 pm on May 26th under the patronage of Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa.

22.05.2013 - Wednesday

The national Drugs Authority has taken steps to charge 26 institutes published paper advertisements on cosmetics without the permission of the authority.

No advertisement on cosmetics should be published in electronic or print media without the consent of the National Drugs Authority, said the Drug Supervisor, Amitha Perera.

21.05.2013 - Tuesday

Progress of the sports sector in the Northern Province is not sufficient. The sports activities have to move ahead further, said EPDP Parliamentarian and Deputy Leader of Parliamentary Committees Murugesu Chandrakumar.  He stated this in his address participating as the chief guest at the Sports Festival 2013 held between the registered sports clubs within the Uduvil Divisional Secretary Division on Friday (May 17).

We all have to work hard to develop the sports activities in our areas.  Only a few youths are interested in sports. On the other hand our area gives preference only for a few sports.  This situation should be changed. Our community is ignoring our traditional and cultural sports.  We must give priority to traditional and cultural sports too.

The government is constructing play grounds with all facilities in every Divisional Secretary Division.  Hence our youths should make use of these stadiums and improve their sports activities, the MP said further.

Inuvil Hindu sports club won the first place in this sports festival 2013. Winners were awarded with prizes by the parliamentarian.

This function was held on the head of Uduvil Divisional Secretary Nandagopalan and attended by Uduvil Assistant Divisional Secretary Mrs. Selvakumary, Assistant Planning Director Mrs. Naguleswaran, Vali south Pradeshiya Saba members Hariharan and Rajeshkaran, Jaffna District sports office Mohanadas, Chunnakam Peoples Bank Manager Partheeban, EPDP Chunnakam Assistant Coordinator Valantine, Grama officers and many others.

21.05.2013 - Tuesday

EPDP Parliamentarian Murugasu Chandrakumar summoned a meeting with the relevant officials and had a discussion to provide pure potable water to the Vaddu south area on Friday May17th.

The present pipe-born water supply to this area with the financial Assistance of World Vision is not clean for drinking. The public of this area brought this matter to the MP. Then the MP made arrangements for a research and the result revealed that the water is not clean for drinking.

The MP then explained that the condition of the water could have changed due to the change of climate.  The World Vision has installed this water supply scheme with a cost of Rs.9.5 Million.

The MP made instructions to the Pradesa Sabai and relevant officials to do the needful immediately and provide the public with clean drinking water.

Vali west Pradesa Sabai Members Sivaguru Balakrishnan (Jeevan) and Selvakumar, Water Supply and Drainage Board Jaffna District Officer Thabenthiran, Vali West Pradesa Saba Secretary Santha, Chankanai Divisional Secretariat Deputy Planning Director Sivakumary World Vision Jaffna Manager Rasiah, Health Services officer Nandakumar and many others participated in this function.

21.05.2013 - Tuesday

Three suspects in connection with a robbery of Rs. 650,000 from two shops at the Meegoda Economic Center in Padukka have been apprehended by the Mirihana Special Crimes Division yesterday (20).

Two motorbikes used for crimes and a locally manufactured weapon found among their possession, have also been apprehended. The suspects are residents of Hanwella, Ranala, and Padukka areas.
 
Mirihana Special Crimes Unit is carrying out further investigations.

21.05.2013 - Tuesday

Two Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) ships, "Suzunami" and "Kirisame" arrived at the Port of Trincomalee today on a goodwill and supply visit, navy headquarters said.

Commander 03rd Escort Division, Captain Junichi Shimo and ships' Commanding Officers, Commander Toshikuni Miyata and Commander Takayuki Kaseda paid a courtesy call on Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Rohan Amarasinghe at Command Headquarters in Trincomalee. They held cordial discussions and exchange mementos as a gesture of goodwill.

JS 'Suzunami', with a patrol helicopter onboard, is 151 meters in length and has a displacement of 4,650 tons. It has a complement of 180 Naval personnel onboard. JS 'Kirisame', with two patrol helicopters onboard, is 151 meters in length and has a displacement of 4,550 tons. It has a complement of 190 Naval personnel onboard.

The ships will stay in Sri Lanka until 22nd May and the ships' crews participate in a special programme organized by the Sri Lanka Navy during their stay in Sri Lanka.