Defender drops in for a 'cuppa' in Colombo

A Royal Navy warship has visited the island nation of Sri Lanka – a country with which the UK shares a long military history.

HMS Defender visited Colombo to take on stores and fuel and gave the ship’s company a well earned rest from their nine month deployment to the Gulf where they are conducting Air Command and Control duties with the coalition carrier task groups.

It was also an opportunity for the ship to focus on her other key role in the region – that of building international relations.

During the visit, Defender hosted the British High Commissioner, His Excellency James Dauris.

The ship was also visited by 30 delegates from the Sri Lankan Navy who witnessed capability demonstrations and received tours of the ship.  

Lieutenant Commander Sean Trevethan, Defender’s Weapon Engineer Officer, said: “The Sri Lankan Navy made Defender feel very welcome, being the first British warship to visit in a number of years.  

“The short stay went far in strengthening relations between the two nations and hopefully paved the way for more frequent visits by Royal Navy warships in the future.”

Known as Ceylon until 1972, Sri Lanka has maritime borders with India to the northwest and the Maldives to the southwest. 

Its geographic location and deep harbours made it of great strategic importance from the time of the ancient Silk Road through to World War II.