Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy hospital ship ‘Peace Ark’ departs island

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy hospital ship ‘Peace Ark’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on 21st December 2024, departed the island today (28th December), on successful completion of its formal visit. The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Colombo port, following naval traditions.

During the official visit, the medical team aboard the hospital ship ‘Peace Ark’, in collaboration with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Navy Medical Department, conducted comprehensive medical, dental, and clinical treatment programmes. Services included OPD treatments, eye clinics, CT scans, echocardiograms, and ultrasound examinations. Over 1,500 civilians and more than 250 tri-service personnel benefited from these medical services.

Senior officers of the hospital ship Peace Ark met with Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, for official discussions, focusing on the ship's programmes. During the ship's stay in Colombo, Vice Admiral Perera and the President of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Mala Lamahewa, conducted an observation tour of the ship. Additionally, Captain Deng Qiang, the ship’s Commanding Officer, held an official meeting with the Commander Western Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe. The visit also featured a vibrant cultural show, fostering camaraderie between the two navies.

During its stay in Sri Lanka, the crew of hospital ship 'Peace Ark' engaged in several activities organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to strengthen the camaraderie between the navies of the two countries. These included participation in a dragon boat race and visits to significant tourist destinations across the island.

Moreover, a programme was held to educate officer under trainees at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University on the ship's operational activities. In addition, the ship organized a first aid training workshop, bringing together medical teams from the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka Navy, and Sri Lanka Air Force. The workshop provided a platform to share knowledge, best practices, and experiences in first aid. As part of the official visit of the ‘Peace Ark’ hospital ship, a consignment of essential medical supplies was also provided to naval hospitals. The occasion was also attended by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, H.E. Qi Zhenhong.