Sri Lanka Navy officially commissioned SLNS Samudravijaya at the Port of Colombo on Wednesday, marking the successful completion of a historic 12,000-nautical-mile voyage from the United States and a significant milestone in maritime cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United States.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, senior government officials, Sri Lanka Navy representatives, and members of the United States diplomatic and defense community.
According to information released by the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, the vessel’s journey from Baltimore, Maryland, represents the longest voyage ever undertaken by a Sri Lanka Navy crew to bring a vessel home. It also marks the first time a Sri Lanka Navy vessel has transited through the Panama Canal.
Previously known as the United States Coast Guard Cutter Decisive, the vessel was transferred to Sri Lanka under the U.S. Excess Defense Articles Program. Before the transfer, the ship underwent refurbishment and preparation work in Baltimore to ensure operational readiness for service with the Sri Lanka Navy.
The addition of SLNS Samudravijaya is expected to significantly strengthen Sri Lanka’s maritime surveillance and security capabilities. The vessel will support a range of operations, including maritime patrols, search and rescue missions, anti-smuggling activities, combating illegal fishing, counter-narcotics operations, and humanitarian assistance efforts.
Officials noted that Sri Lanka occupies a strategically important position along some of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, making naval readiness and maritime security increasingly important for both national and regional stability.
Speaking at the ceremony, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Jayne Howell described the vessel as a symbol of the strong partnership between the two countries. She stated that the transfer reflects the trust and cooperation shared by Sri Lanka and the United States in promoting a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
The vessel departed Baltimore on February 20 and completed a challenging route spanning three oceans and multiple continents before arriving in Sri Lanka. During the voyage, the crew made several stops at U.S. ports, including Key West, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Guam, where they received logistical support and engaged with American military and Coast Guard personnel.
Defense officials highlighted that the successful completion of the voyage demonstrated the professionalism, technical expertise, and operational capability of the Sri Lanka Navy crew.
SLNS Samudravijaya becomes the fourth former U.S. Coast Guard cutter to enter service with the Sri Lanka Navy. It joins SLNS Samudura, SLNS Gajabahu, and SLNS Vijayabahu, all of which continue to play important roles in maritime security operations around the island.
With the commissioning of the new vessel, Sri Lanka now operates four former U.S. Coast Guard cutters, making it the largest operator of transferred cutters under the U.S. Excess Defense Articles Program.
U.S. defense officials praised the Sri Lanka Navy for its successful operation and maintenance of previously transferred vessels, noting that their strong performance contributed to the decision to facilitate the transfer of a fourth cutter.
The commissioning of SLNS Samudravijaya further strengthens the longstanding defense partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States, which continues to expand through training programs, equipment transfers, professional exchanges, and joint maritime cooperation initiatives.
As regional maritime security challenges continue to evolve, the new vessel is expected to play an important role in enhancing Sri Lanka’s ability to protect its territorial waters, support international maritime safety efforts, and contribute to stability in the Indian Ocean region.
