Colombo, Oct 19 (Daily Mirror): The Indian Navy's ship, INS Kalpeni, arrived in Colombo today, the Indian High Commission said.

The ship was warmly welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions.

The Commanding Officer, Commander Sunil Kulhari, will call on the Commander of the Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, during the stay.

INS Kalpeni is a Car Nicobar-class Waterjet FAC of the Indian Navy, commissioned on 14 October 2010. The ship is named after Kalpeni Island in the Lakshadweep group of islands. It is based in Kochi with the primary role of coastal surveillance and defense.

The ship specializes in anti-smuggling, vessel boarding, search and seizure, as well as search and rescue operations. The ship is on a port call from 19-21 October 2024, termed as an Operational Turnaround. The ship has brought essential technical support tools, which will be handed over to the Sri Lanka Navy. In addition to taking on replenishments, the ship’s crew will visit places of importance in and around Colombo.