Sri Lanka and UK Elevate Hydrographic Cooperation

COLOMBO (News 1st) - In a major step forward for Sri Lanka's efforts to boost its hydrographic capabilities, the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) and the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) inked a historic bilateral arrangement yesterday (14)

The event took place at the Ministry of Defence, underscoring the commitment to strengthen collaboration in hydrography. 

The partnership will focus on knowledge sharing, capacity development, technical cooperation, and generating revenue by marketing Sri Lanka’s hydrographic products globally.

The arrangement was formalized by Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh from the UKHO and Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya of SLNHO, representing their respective governments.

The signing event was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), and Chairman of the National Hydrographic Council, Rear Admiral Sisira Jayakody (Retd), alongside distinguished officials from the UK government, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and SLNHO.

During his visit to Sri Lanka, Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh also held discussions with the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd). 

The discussions mainly focused on enhancing strategic hydrographic collaboration and deepening bilateral ties between the two countries.