Australia delivers Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo Sounder to strengthen Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities

Giving a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities, the government of Australia handed over a state-of-the-art Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo Sounder to the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) during a ceremony held at SLNS Rangalla today (18 Feb 25). The formal ceremony was held under the auspices of the High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Paul Stephens and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, marking new chapter in the discipline of hydrography.

The Australian government provided the Sri Lanka Navy with this Multi Beam Echo Sounder to enhance its hydrographic capabilities. This advanced equipment will enable the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) to conduct precise hydrographic surveys, essential for creating nautical and electronic charts for international use. The device will also facilitate the production of high-precision nautical charts, ensuring safer maritime navigation.

Addressing the august gathering, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, on behalf of the government of Sri Lanka, extended heartfelt gratitude to the Australian government for the significant contribution. He emphasized that this initiative represents a pivotal step in advancing hydrographic discipline, aligning with the Safety of Life at Sea obligations. Vice Admiral Banagoda also highlighted that the state-of-the-art technology provided will accelerate hydrographic surveys, facilitate the creation of up-to-date nautical charts, and improve the safety and efficiency of maritime operations in Sri Lankan waters. He also noted that the Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo Sounder, the first of its kind received by the Navy, will bring about a transformative change and greatly enhance the nation’s capacity to survey harbours, coastal zones, and vital waterways.

Adding further, he said that this advancement will bolster Sri Lanka’s national hydrographic framework. The Navy Commander also acknowledged Australia’s ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s maritime development, referencing previous contributions, including the provision of Bay-class vessels, Rathnadeepa and Mihikatha. He concluded by reaffirming the strong bilateral relations and cooperation between the two nations, rooted in a shared commitment to safe navigation, sustainable marine resource management, and strengthened regional maritime security.

Following the address by the Australian High Commissioner, the event featured special recognition for Able Seaman RBG Chinthaka of the Sri Lanka Navy. The sailor was recognized for his outstanding performance during the Hydrographic Surveying Initial Employment Training Course conducted by the Royal Australian Navy Hydrographic School.

Subsequent to the formal handing over / taking over procedures, the Australian High Commissioner and the Commander of the Navy, accompanied by a group of distinguished invitees, boarded the vessel P 267 to assess the operational capabilities of the newly installed equipment.

After the vote of thanks proposed by the Chief Hydrographer of SLNHS and Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya, mementoes were also exchanged, marking the importance of this occasion.

The Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Ms Lalita Kapur, Defence Advisor to the Australian High Commission in Colombo, Colonel Amanda Johnston, diplomatic corps, Chairman of the National Hydrographic Council, Rear Admiral Sisira Jayakody (Retd), Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Damian Fernando, Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chandima Silva, officers from the Navy Board of Management and a group of senior and junior officers were present on this occasion.