HMS SPEY carries out first visit to Sri Lanka

HMS SPEY conducted a maiden visit to Colombo between January 28 – 31, reinforcing UK- Sri Lanka relationships and marking 75 years of bilateral relations between the two countries.

The ship was greeted by a ceremonial welcome provided by the Sri Lankan Navy pipe and drums band, a well-received touch to the Scottish heritage of SPEY. The ship was able to celebrate the shared maritime history during a reception supported by Andrew Patrick, the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and attended by the Defence State Minister, Premitha Tennakoon as the Guest of Honour and Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera.

Andrew Patrick said “This was a wonderful addition to our events celebrating 75 years of bilateral relations, and the longstanding links between the Navies of our two countries. HMS SPEY is based in the region, and is a great reminder of the UK’s commitment to the security of the Indo-Pacific.”

The Sri Lankan Navy and HMS SPEY conducted military to military engagements. From ship’s tours, equipment demonstrations, an at sea exercise with SLNS SAMUDURA and meetings between the Commanding Officer of HMS SPEY, Commander Paul Caddy and the Director General Operations Rear Admiral Peiris and Rear Admiral TSK Perera, Commander Western Naval Area. The Sri Lankan Navy is integrating within the Combined Maritime Force and actively engaging in supporting maritime security in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

The Commanding Officer of HMS SPEY, Commander Paul Caddy said “It has been a privilege to visit Sri Lanka in the lead up to the 75th Anniversary of their Independence and to celebrate 75 years of relations between the UK and Sri Lanka. Like the UK, Sri Lanka has an important role in upholding the Rules Based International Order, particularly at this moment where we are working together on maritime security challenges in the South Red Sea and our cooperation within the Combined Maritime Force is growing”.

The Indo Pacific is of growing importance for the UK’s security and prosperity. HMS SPEY’s visit supports the ability to build resilience and capacity, tackle shared security challenges and uphold freedom of navigation and international law in the region as part of the Rules Based International System.

HMS SPEY and her sister ship HMS TAMAR play an important role as part of the Royal Navy’s forward presence in the region. HMS TAMAR conducted a port visit in February 2023 and the visit has enabled the UK and Sri Lanka to enhance interoperability and discuss shared approaches to maritime security challenges.

The visit of HMS SPEY also provided an opportunity to explore Sri Lanka, with members of the Ship’s Company volunteering at ethical tourist sites supporting the welfare of elephants and conservation of sea turtles.

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