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Key Points

Sri Lanka's Army Chief Lasantha Rodrigo met India's COAS General Upendra Dwivedi to discuss defence collaboration. The meeting emphasized strengthening military ties and regional stability. A recent pipping ceremony at IMA marked 296 Sri Lankan officers trained in India. The visit reflects deep-rooted military relations between the two nations.

Key Points: Sri Lanka Army Chief Lasantha Rodrigo Meets India's General Dwivedi

  • Sri Lanka Army Chief meets India's COAS to boost defence ties
  • 296 Sri Lankan officers trained at IMA so far
  • Ceremony highlights India-Sri Lanka military cooperation
  • Visit strengthens historical military relations
2 min read

Sri Lankan Army commander calls on General Dwivedi for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation

Sri Lankan Army Commander discusses defence cooperation with Indian COAS General Dwivedi, reinforcing military ties and regional stability.

"India and Sri Lanka, Forging Stronger Bonds – Indian Army (ADGPI)"

New Delhi, June 15

Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, called on Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and discussed enhancing bilateral Defence Cooperation, strengthening military-to-military ties and reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and global peace.

Talking about the meeting in a post on X, the army said on Saturday, "India and Sri Lanka, Forging Stronger Bonds Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, called on General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS at the Army House. They engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral Defence Cooperation, strengthening military-to-military ties and reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and global peace."

https://x.com/adgpi/status/1933907151589670947

Earlier, in a show of India-Sri Lanka military cooperation, Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake of the Sri Lanka Army 'pipped' his son, Foreign Officer Cadet RMNL Rathnayake at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), marking his first day as a commissioned Sri Lankan Army officer.

The ceremony brought the total number of Sri Lankan Army Officers commissioned from IMA to 296, according to the Army.

"This pipping ceremony brings the total number of Sri Lankan Army Officers commissioned from #IMA to 296, highlighting India's long-standing bonds with the friendly foreign countries and Indian Army's commitment in defence cooperation," the Army said in another post on X.

The Sri Lankan Army Chief also congratulated the graduating officer cadets on successfully completing their training and praised both cadets and instructors for the parade's discipline, coordination, and presentation.

According to a statement, this visit is a reflection of the traditional, strong and historical military relations between the armies of India and Sri Lanka and will further strengthen mutual cooperation.

On this occasion, a total of 451 officer cadets of the 156th Regular Course, 45th Technical Entry Scheme (TES) and 139th Technical Graduate Course, 32 foreign cadets from nine friendly nations including Special Commissioned Officers (SCO-54) completed their training and bid a proud farewell to the academy.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is heartening to see! Sri Lanka has always been our maritime neighbor with deep cultural ties. Military cooperation will only strengthen regional security. The IMA training for their officers shows our commitment to helping friendly nations. 🇮🇳🤝🇱🇰
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Rahul S.
While cooperation is good, we must ensure our military training and tech transfers don't compromise our strategic interests. Remember how China has been increasing influence in Sri Lanka through Hambantota port. We need to be careful even with friends.
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Arjun M.
The father-son pipping ceremony moment must have been so emotional! Shows how deep the military ties run between our countries. IMA has trained nearly 300 Sri Lankan officers - that's no small number. Our armed forces have always been a bridge between nations.
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Sunita P.
Good development, but hope this cooperation also helps address the fishermen issue between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Our defense ties should translate to better coordination on ground-level problems affecting common people.
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Vikram J.
India's military training programs are our soft power at its best! When foreign officers train here, they take back not just skills but also understanding of our values. This is how we counter Chinese influence in the neighborhood - through genuine partnership.
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Neha R.
The shared Buddhist heritage between India and Sri Lanka makes this partnership special. Our armed forces cooperation should extend to cultural exchanges too. Maybe joint training can include visits to Bodh Gaya and other sacred sites to strengthen people-to-people ties.

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