Sri Lankan naval officers practice at Guard missile cruiser Moskva

16.08.2010 Black Sea Fleet (BSF) flagship Guard missile cruiser Moskva completed the first in Russian Navy's contemporary history visit to Sri Lankan capital Colombo. Official call of the Russian ship aroused much interest not only of national defense officials but local population as well. During several open hours at Colombo port, about thousand of locals, Sri Lankan officers, and representatives of Russian-Sri Lankan friendship society visited the cruiser. The Russian warship was visited by: Sri Lankan Navy Commander Vice Admiral Samarasinghe, Sri Lankan Army Commander General Jagat Jayasuriya, Sri Lankan Housing Minister Wimal Weerawansa.

Russian naval cadets who pass practice term on board Moskva and the cruiser's officers were invited to Oriental Hotel where the opening ceremony of a bust to A.P. Chekhov took place. The Russian writer stayed in that hotel 120 years ago during his visit at the island. Sailors met with the project sculptor Grigory Pototsky. All events were held with participation of Russian ambassador to Sri Lanka Vladimir Mikhailov, representatives of Attaché office, and Russian diaspora in the island.

Russian ambassador said it was very symbolic that the call of the Russian warship coincided with such important cultural event in the Sri Lankan capital's life. "Strengthening of cultural relations is one of the principal missions of missile cruiser Moskva in Sri Lanka; and the crew perfectly executes it", he said.

Russian sailors went on sightseeing tours in Colombo and to ancient capital Kandy, played soccer games with Sri Lankan servicemen. At request of host party and in accordance to decision of Chief of Russian General Staff, four junior officers of Sri Lankan Navy practice on board missile cruiser Moskva from Colombo to the next port of call. Individual training plans were developed for each of them; foreign trainees will be accompanied by the cruiser's department commanders and cruise staff officers. The list of subjects includes matters of history of Black Sea Fleet and Russian Navy.

Meeting with the cruise command, Sri Lankan Navy Commander Vice Admiral Samarasinghe ask Russian officers to train his subordinates in such a manner that they would derive benefits for themselves and national navy in general. "It's the first time we have an opportunity to obtain an experience of cruise on board Russian cruiser, so only the best officers are honored with this chance", emphasized the admiral.

During the stay in Colombo, Guard missile cruiser Moskva completely replenished water and fuel supplies and currently continues long-range cruise through the Indian Ocean.