5 Russian naval ships arrive at Colombo port

Five Russian naval ships have arrived at the Colombo Port for replenishment and crews' relaxation, local media reported here on Monday. The ships, "Admiral Panteleyev", "Peresvet", "Admiral Nevelsky", "Fotiy Krylov" and "Pechenga", are on their way from the Mediterranean to their home port in Vladivostok, State-run media outlet Daily News reported. "Admiral Panteleyev" is an anti-submarine ship and is 162 meters in length. It has a displacement of 7,595 tons and a complement of 92 officers and 336 seamen onboard. "Admiral Nevelsky" and "Peresvet" are landing ships and each is 112 meters in length and has a displacement of 4,000 tons. "Fotiy Krylov" is a salvage tug and it is 98 meters in length with displacement of 7,542 tons. "Pechenga" is a replenishment vessel with 130 meters in length. "The ships' visit is significant for several reasons. The visit of ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet is taking place after several years and is an indication of the Russian naval interest in the region," the report said. Further, the transit also signifies the Sri Lanka's geo- strategic location in the Indian Ocean as a Maritime Hub for ships traversing from Far West to Far East.