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 the island nation, the 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.

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

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

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

(With inputs from PTI)