Even as Chinese warships were berthed in Colombo, Sri lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who is also the Defence Minister, visited aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya in Colombo on Saturday.
China has emerged as a close strategic and defence partner of Sri lanka in the past few years, while the defence ties between New Delhi and Colombo have become sensitive due to the lanka Tamil issue.
The Sri lankan President came onboard the INS Vikramaditya and interacted with the crew, officials said here. Incidentally, the Indian aircraft carrier, is on its maiden foreign voyage after induction two years back. Previously known as Gorshkov,the Russian made ship went major refurbishment before joining the Indian Navy.
Officials also said Sirisena became the first head of state to get on board the ship. He was received onboard by Western Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Ranveet Singh and Indian ambassador to lanka Y K Sinha. The visiting dignitary was presented a Guard of Honour.
Weighing more than 44,500-tonne, INS Vikramaditya is the largest and newest of the two aircraft carriers operated by the Indian Navy, and is equipped with a variety of integral weapons and sensors.
It operates a versatile range of high-performance aircraft, such as the MiG 29K fighter aircraft, KM 31 Airborne Early Warning helicopters, multi-role Sea King helicopters and utility Chetak helicopters.