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Defence connections between Australia and Sri Lanka (Ceylon) over the 75 Years by PAUL COONEY Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade The geographical location of Sri Lanka, being one of Australia’s  Indian Ocean neighbours has resulted in regular Naval interaction for the  Royal Australian Navy (RAN) through Goodwill Visits and when transiting to or  from the Arabian Sea or Europe via the Suez Canal. The progression of three  HMA Ships Melbourne is a good case study of this. HMAS Melbourne (I) HMAS Melbourne (I) was a Town Class Light Cruiser  introduced into the RAN not long before the declaration of the First World  War and took part in the seizure of the German Pacific possessions. On 9  September 1914, the Melbourne (I) landed a naval party on Nauru Island to  carry out the destruction of the German wireless station, one of the less  well-known battles Australians took part ...