Indian Submarine INS Vela Arrives In Sri Lanka For Operational Turnaround

Colombo: Indian submarine INS Vela arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday on a three-day visit to island nation, Indian High Commission said.

INS Vela is a 67.5m long submarine with a crew of 53 and it is commanded by Commander Kapil Kumar.

Kalvari-class diesel-electric submarine, INS Vela, was commissioned into Indian Navy on vember 25, 2021, and is currently on a visit to Colombo. During its stay, crew will eng in various activities organized by Sri Lanka Navy to enhance mutual camarerie between two naval forces, according to a statement from Sri Lankan Navy.

ditionally, Sri Lankan Navy personnel are expected to tour submarine to learn about its operational features. crew members will also have opportunity to explore local tourist attractions. submarine's visit, classified as an Operational Turn Around (OTR), allows for replenishment of supplies, as confirmed by Indian embassy. INS Vela is scheduled to depart Sri Lanka on vember 13.

Commander Kapil Kumar of INS Vela is set to meet Rear miral WDCU Kumarasinghe, Commander of Western Naval Area, at Western Naval Hequarters. Personnel from both Sri Lankan Navy and Indian High Commission will also visit submarine. A friendly basketball match between submarine crew and Sri Lanka Navy personnel is also planned at Sri Lanka Naval Base in Welisara.

(With inputs from PTI)