A new naval vessel aimed at strengthening maritime security and protecting key shipping routes was officially commissioned at the Port of Colombo on Thursday, 04th June, following a 12,000-nautical-mile journey from the United States.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the commissioning ceremony alongside U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Jayne Howell and senior defence officials from both countries.
According to the U.S. Embassy, the vessel is expected to strengthen maritime surveillance capabilities, support efforts against illegal fishing and narcotics trafficking, assist in search and rescue missions, and improve responses to humanitarian emergencies.
These capabilities are particularly important given the country’s location along some of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
Supporting Maritime Trade and Security
The vessel was previously the United States Coast Guard Cutter Decisive and is the fourth former U.S. Coast Guard cutter transferred to the Navy through the U.S. Excess Defense Articles Program.
With the addition of SLNS Samudravijaya, the Navy now operates four former U.S. Coast Guard cutters, including SLNS Samudura, SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Vijayabahu.
Speaking at the event, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Howell said:
“Today, SLNS Samudravijaya begins a new chapter of service. As a former United States Coast Guard cutter, she served the American people with distinction in support of security, law enforcement, and the protection of maritime interests. Her transfer to the Sri Lanka Navy reflects the trust and partnership that unite our two nations.”
She added that the vessel symbolises cooperation between the two countries and their shared commitment to maintaining secure maritime routes across the Indian Ocean.
Voyage Across Three Oceans
The vessel departed Baltimore on 20 February and travelled across three oceans before arriving in Trincomalee on 8 May.
During the journey, the crew made port calls in Key West, Los Angeles, Honolulu and Guam, where they received logistical support and engaged with U.S. military and Coast Guard personnel.
U.S. Defense Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Matthew House praised the Navy’s management of previously transferred vessels.
“Few partners have demonstrated the commitment to maintaining and operating these vessels as successfully as the Sri Lanka Navy,” he said.
According to House, the operational performance of the existing cutter fleet helped build confidence for the transfer of a fourth vessel.
The commissioning forms part of ongoing defence cooperation between the United States and Sri Lanka, which includes training programmes, equipment transfers and professional exchanges aimed at strengthening maritime capabilities and regional security.
Last modified: June 9, 2026
