Navy unveils plans for International Fleet Review 2025 at media briefing
In a media briefing held on 24 Dec 25 at the Department of Government Information, the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) unveiled an extensive series of events to mark its proud 75th anniversary, centering on the upcoming International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 under the theme “Sailing Strong Together”. The press briefing, presided over by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, detailed several days of activities that blend cherished naval traditions with social, ethical, and environmental initiatives.
Scheduled for 30 November, the IFR 2025 will feature eight warships from seven nations: Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Malaysia, Pakistan and Russia. In a display of international cooperation, these foreign vessels will join the Sri Lanka Navy Fleet in presenting a naval salute to the Hon. President of Sri Lanka and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The event will be preceded by several collaborative programmes starting 28 November, involving the foreign ships’ crews, the Sri Lanka Navy as well as Sister Services and Police.
Speaking at the event, the Navy Commander stated that Sri Lanka had always worked towards global cooperation. Accordingly, he explained that on the directives and guidance of the Ministry of Defence, the Sri Lanka Navy has been working continuously to promote maritime cooperation, citing the successful conduct of the "Galle Dialogue International Maritime Conference 2025” with both international and local participation.
He further mentioned that it is a great honour for the Navy to have the opportunity to organize an IFR for its 75th anniversary, under the guidance of the Ministry of Defence. He expressed his belief that the presence of foreign warships from within and outside the region would significantly strengthen Sri Lanka's maritime relations and its commitment to achieving national maritime ambitions, as well as to peace and stability in the Indian Ocean. On this point, he conveyed his gratitude to the participating nations for accepting the invitation.
The Commander also emphasized that the IFR 2025 is an opportunity to send a strong message to the world about Sri Lanka's readiness and commitment to contributing to regional and global maritime cooperation. Finally, he noted that, in conjunction with the 75th anniversary, the Navy has also organized simultaneous visits to the Sri Lanka Navy ships for school children at the Western, Eastern, Southern and Northern Naval Commands.
Rear Admiral Damian Fernando, the Chief of Staff of the Navy announced to the media that, to mark the anniversary on 09 December, the Navy would prioritize its traditions through a series of events. These include commemorations for war heroes, multi-religious ceremonies, social welfare initiatives and environmental programmes. He added that a special first-day cover would be issued and a commemorative medal presented on this milestone event.
The Chief of Staff highlighted that the International Fleet Review - 2025 is not merely a proud tradition, but a significant event uniting global navies around the themes of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect. He explained that such reviews are a long-standing naval tradition used by nations to strengthen maritime ties. He further stated that by hosting this event, Sri Lanka would enhance its role as a regional maritime security partner and raise its international profile.
Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva, the Director General Operations, acknowledged the significant contributions of various parties to the success of the upcoming IFR-2025. He specifically expressed his gratitude for the guidance from the Ministry of Defence, the diplomatic efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the role of the Sri Lanka Police in ensuring public security. He also thanked the Sri Lanka Ports Authority for providing berthing facilities, the Customs Department for expediting clearances and the Colombo Municipal Council for its work on the Galle Face programmes.
Speaking to the media about events for IFR-2025, the Director Naval Operations, Captain Athula Jayaweera, outlined several key programmes. He announced that a beach cleanup at Galle Face, in collaboration with the Clean Sri Lanka project, will be held on the morning of 28 November with foreign naval personnel. Later that day, the Welisara Naval Complex will host sports programmes, a Food Gala with international cuisines, and a band and cultural show. The band show will feature performances from foreign, Sri Lanka Navy, Sister Services and Police bands. He added that a colourful City Parade is scheduled for the morning of 29 November on Galle Face Road, involving both foreign and Sri Lanka naval personnel. Captain Jayaweera stated that this parade, part of the Navy's 75th-anniversary celebrations, is expected to be a novel experience for the public.
