PNS Saif Arrive In Sri Lanka On Goodwill Visit 

Colombo: A Pakistan Naval Ship today arrived at the port in Colombo on a four-day goodwill visit, the Sri Lankan Navy said. The arrival of PNS Saif, which was accorded a traditional naval welcome by the island country, comes close on the heels of a similar visit by ships of the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard.

PNS Saif is 123 m in length and 13.2 m in width. It has a replenishment capacity of 3,144 tonnes and has 225 crew members on board. During the visit, the crew of PNS Saif will take part in several programmes including friendly sports events organised by the Sri Lankan Navy, according to an official statement.

The frigate is scheduled to depart from the Colombo harbour on November 8, the statement issued by the Sri Lankan Navy said. The Pakistani ship's visit follows the arrival of Indian Naval ships Tir and Sujatha and the Coast Guard ship Sarathi in Sri Lanka on November 2. The Indian ships are on a five-day goodwill visit to participate in a number of training exercises in a bid to share professional expertise and strengthen friendship.

PTI