U.S. Donates Fourth Coast Guard Cutter To Sri Lanka Navy

COLOMBO (News 1st);Marking another remarkable chapter in Sri Lankan naval history, P628, formally known as the U.S Coast Guard Cutter ‘Decisive’, proudly set sail today from the Baltimore U.S. Coast Guard Yard East Wall Jetty, en route to Sri Lanka.

This ship will take a journey spanning a 14,775 nautical miles, which is set to become the longest single sea voyage ever undertaken by a Sri Lankan naval vessel and be the first Sri Lankan ship to navigate through the Panama Canal. 

This feat will be a testament not only to the advanced navigational capabilities of the Sri Lankan Navy but also to the spirit of international collaboration that facilitates such complex maritime operations.

Under the leadership of Captain Gayan Wickramasooriya, the vessel carries a proud complement of 86 highly trained S.L Navy personnel, including 14 officers and 72 sailors. Their passage plan includes a series of strategically important port calls, designed to ensure safe passage and foster diplomatic ties along the route.

The final leg of this grand expedition will bring them to Trincomalee, Sri Lanka tentatively 0n 08th May 2026, completing 77 days of sea passage.