Chinese destroyer Lanzhou arrives in Sri Lanka
News Courtesy: China.org.cn
Chinese missile destroyer Lanzhou arrived at Sri Lanka’s Colombo port on Tuesday for a five-day visit in the South Asian island country.
The destroyer Lanzhou, just ending a five-month escort task in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters, would attend the celebrations for the Sri Lankan navy’s 60th anniversary, which falls on Thursday.
Warships from India, Pakistan and Russia also arrived at the Colombo port Tuesday to attend the anniversary celebrations.
In the following days, various activities will be held to mark the anniversary.
Sri Lanka formed its own navy on Dec. 9, 1950, two years after its independence from Britain.
Its role in defeating the Tamil Tigers’ separatist campaign was crucial. The navy destroyed as many as 10 supply ships of the rebels in the mid seas, cutting off their supply life lines.
In future, the navy is to acquire more fast attack craft as its role shifts to protecting the island’s exclusive economic zone following the end of the conflict with the Tamil Tiger rebels, navy chief Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe said.
“We are acquiring six fast attack craft, four craft have already been delivered and we’re getting the other two in January, ” said Samarasinghe.

Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- COPE uncovers irregular NMRA certification process March 14, 2025
- Anuradhapura Hospital Director removed following doctor’s assault March 14, 2025
- Popular rapper Shan Putha arrested with firearm March 14, 2025
- Batalanda commission report tabled in Sri Lankan Parliament March 14, 2025
- Female Grama Niladharis withdraw from night duty over security concerns March 14, 2025
Wow
SL navy should acquire one of those modern destroyers to protect the new exclusive economic zones. It will be a good deterrant for any group thinking to cause havoc in the island in future. If the tigers can build submarines why cant SL government do some thing similar. They have the resources(material/financial) and knowledge withing the country to do this sort of stuff. SL has always underestimated her self.