2ND ROUND OF STRATEGIC DISCUSSION BETWEEN THE ARMED FORCES OF INDIA AND SRI LANKA
The 2nd Strategic Discussion between the Armed Forces of India and Sri Lanka was conducted from 13th to 15th July 2016 at the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff.
The Indian delegation was headed by Air Marshal AS Bhonsle, Officiating Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee. The Indian delegation consisted of Brigadier SL Joshi, Captain Prakash Gopalan, Defence Adviser, Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka and Wing Commander AA Kelkar.
The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke Chief of Defence Staff and comprised of Major General MP Peiris Chief of Staff Sri Lanka Army, Rear Admiral SS Ranasinghe Chief of Staff Sri Lanka Navy, Air Vice Marshal CR Gurusinghe Chief of Staff Sri Lanka Air Force, DIG (Retd) ANS Mendis Chief of National Intelligence, Rear Admiral GDAS Wimalathunga Director General Sri Lanka Coast Guard and representative from Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs.
The Strategic discussion between Armed Forces of India and Sri Lanka was initiated in 2013 to promote professional and mutually beneficial relations between the Armed Forces of the two countries. This discussion is designed to improve bilateral cooperation and understanding between the Armed Forces through direct and open exchange of facts on matters of mutual interest.
The Strategic concerns of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, the Emergence of Asia Pacific Region as a geo strategically important region, the emergence of new security threats against national security and concerns on the global security scenario including terrorism and extremism were the key areas of this year 's discussion. The importance of continuing this dialog to strengthen security strategies to enhance maritime security in and around the Indian Ocean was emphasised. Both delegations deliberated the importance of exchange of ideas and sharing of experience to enhance the knowledge, trust, confidence and friendship between the two countries to chart the courses of success to keep the strategic sea routes safe and to secure national interests.
