U.S. Navy ship arrives in Sri Lanka on goodwill visit

A U.S. Navy ship arrived at the Colombo Port here on Thursday on a goodwill visit, the Navy media unit said in a statement.

The U.S. Navy ship "Hopper" is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer.

It was ceremonially welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions upon her arrival.

Commander John D. Gainey, the commanding officer of the ship, paid a courtesy call on Rear Admiral Jayantha De Silva, commander of the Western Naval Area, at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.

They held cordial discussions and exchanged momentoes to mark the significance of the occasion, the navy statement said.

The U.S. Navy ship which is on a four-day official visit to Sri Lanka, is scheduled to participate in an array of programs organized by the Sri Lanka Navy.

The ship is scheduled to depart from the country on Monday. Endit