The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy hospital ship Peace Ark arrived in Colombo on 21 December 2024 for a formal visit.

The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship with full naval traditions, according to a statement by the Sri Lanka Navy.

The 178-metre-long hospital ship, crewed by 310 personnel under the command of Captain Deng Qiang, is set to offer medical treatments and clinics in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka. The medical staff from Peace Ark and the Sri Lanka Navy Medical Department will jointly conduct these services onboard.

During their stay, the crew will also explore tourist attractions in Sri Lanka and participate in events organised by the Sri Lanka Navy to foster camaraderie between the two navies.

Additionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel, along with officer trainees from the Naval and Maritime Academy and Kotelawala Defence University, will attend operational briefings on the ship’s functions.

The Peace Ark is scheduled to depart from Colombo on 28 December.