The fourth U.S. donated Coast Guard cutter to the Sri Lanka Navy has set sail from the United States, marking the beginning of what is set to become the longest single sea voyage ever undertaken by a Sri Lankan naval vessel. The acquisition of the cutter under the United States’ Excess Defense Articles program further enhances Sri Lanka’s maritime capabilities. Once commissioned into active service, the vessel is expected to bolster maritime surveillance across Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone, strengthen counter-narcotics and anti-smuggling operations, support search and rescue missions, and contribute to safeguarding vital Indian Ocean sea lanes. The journey will also mark a historic first for the Sri Lanka Navy, as P628 becomes the first Sri Lankan naval vessel to transit the Panama Canal. With this transfer, Sri Lanka now operates four former U.S. Coast Guard cutters, reflecting deepening maritime cooperation and interoperability between the United States and Sri Lanka. The final leg of this grand expedition will bring them to Trincomalee, Sri Lanka tentatively on May 8, 2026, completing 77 days of sea passage. The United States said it remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s maritime security efforts and fostering continued collaboration at sea. 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.