A three-member Nigerian naval delegation made inquiries on Sri Lanka Navy's Inshore Patrol Craft (IPC) when they called on the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) Commander Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne at the Naval Headquarters on Wednesday (18).

The Nigerian delegation headed by Rear Admiral GA Anyankpele and included Commodore AC Ononome and Captain DIRI Onyenma of the Nigerian Navy held discussions on a range of issues which were of mutual interests and bilateral importance, the Navy said.

The delegation paid special attention to the SLN's Inshore Patrol Craft (IPC) construction, their operational deployment and maneuvering capabilities and the technological training provided to naval personnel.

Sri Lanka Navy constructed the first IPC at SLNS Mahasen in Welisara, using indigenous expertise and raw material at an approximate cost of 20 million rupees.The craft is 14.5m in length and 3.5m in width. It has a displacement of 9 tons and is fitted with two engines of 350 HP each. The hull of the craft is made of fiber glass giving extra safety. The craft is equipped with a modern Radar System, a GPS system and an electronic compass.

On behalf of the Nigerian Navy, the delegates also conveyed their appreciation to the SLN for the warm hospitality and the excellent training provided to two of their cadet officers who are currently undergoing their naval officer training at the SLNs premier training facility the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee.