The Russian Pacific Fleet’s missile cruiser Varyag has arrived at the Sri Lankan port of Colombo.

Sri Lanka Navy said the ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval tradition.

Today, the Pacific Fleet’s flagship, Guards Order of Nakhimov missile cruiser Varyag has made a business call at Colombo, the largest port of the Republic of Sri Lanka," the Fleet’s press office reported on Friday, according to Russian Media.

The 187m long ship is a Missile Cruiser manned by a crew of 529. The Flag Officer of the ship is Captain 1st Rank Velichko Anatoly Vasicievich and Captain 2nd Rank Glushakov Roman Nikolaevich serves as the Commanding Officer.

Meanwhile, the Flag Officer and the Commanding Officer of the ship are scheduled to call on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Saman Perera. 

During their stay in Sri Lanka, the crew members of the ship are expected to take part in several programmes organised by the Sri Lanka Navy, with a view to promote camaraderie and visit some of the tourist attractions in the country.

During its stay at the port of Colombo, the Russian naval ship will replenish water and fuel supplies. 

The ship welcome ceremony was attended by the staff of the Russian embassy in Sri Lanka, officers of the host country’s naval forces and the personnel of the port services, reported Russian Media.

The Russian warship will stay at the port until March 4, following which it will continue accomplishing its assigned missions in its long-distance deployment, the press office reported.