Sri Lanka’s leading role as a partner in security was appreciated including within the Colombo Security Conclave initiative….reports Asian Lite News
Indian Army Chief MM Naravane who is on a four-day state visit to Sri Lanka on Wednesday called on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and discussed issues of mutual and strategic cooperation.
He also called on General Shavendra Silva CDS and Commander of Sri Lankan Army and discussed issues related to boosting bilateral defence cooperation between two countries.
“General MM Naravane called on General Shavendra Silva CDS and Commander of Sri Lankan Army and discussed issues related to boosting bilateral defence cooperation between two countries. The COAS also interacted with the senior officers of the Sri Lankan Army during the visit,” said the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army).
During the course of the day, the visiting Indian Army Chief also called on General GDH Kamal Gunaratne, Secretary of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence and discussed steps to take forward the excellent defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, the Indian Army noted.
Sri Lanka’s leading role as a partner in security was appreciated including within the Colombo Security Conclave initiative.
The Indian Army Chief also met with Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary, Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and discussed issues of bilateral cooperation.
Earlier in the morning, General Naravane in the first segment of his visit, paid tribute and saluted memories of fallen Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) War Heroes at Battaramulla IPKF monument.
On Tuesday, General Naravane arrived in Colombo at the invitation of General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of Sri Lanka Army, said a statement of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka.
General Silva along with Sujeewa Nelson, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit (ASVU) warmly welcomed Gen Naravane and Veena Naravane, President, Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, it added.
In the remainder of his visit, the Indian Army Chief, would also witness Exercise Mitra Shakti, one of the largest bilateral military exercises in the region, the statement by the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka further said.
The Indian Army Chief will also participate in Gajaba Day celebrations as the Chief Guest.
General Naravane is also scheduled to deliver a talk at DSCSC, Batalanda and interact with students and faculty, the statement said.
The visit symbolises strong relations and close cooperation shared between the two countries, it stated. (India News Network)