DEFENCE ATTACHES TAKEN ON FAMILIARIZATION TOUR

As a gesture of goodwill of the Government of Sri Lanka, the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, hosted an orientation tour for Defence Attachés/Advisors of Foreign Embassies/ High Commissions in Sri Lanka including their family members.

Symbolizing the true hospitality of the Nation, the OCDS hosted those foreign delegates from Australia, Bangladesh, India, the Republic of Maldives, Pakistan, Russia and the United States of America for a tour to several military establishments across the country. The tour commenced on 13th December and ended on 21st at Diyatalawa on the day of the 95th passing out parade.

This was the first such visit organized by the OCDS on the instructions of Lt. General Shavendra Silva, the Chief of Defence Staff. Prior to their start of the six day long tour, Air Commodore J R Hemasinghe presented a comprehensive brief on the entire programme after inviting them to the Office of the CDS.

They were first flown to Palaly on the first day to enjoy the hospitality of the Security Force Jaffna. After their tour in the peninsular, they called at the Security Forces (Wanni) where they visited places of interest including Trincomalee. En route to Sigirya, they touched down at Anuradhapura, sacred city where they paid homage to sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweli Maha Seya, Samadhi Statue and a few other sacred spots.

Later, they were flown to Koggala, and visited Hikkaduwa and several other places of interest. Upon their departure to Kandy from Koggala, they visited Sri Dalanda Maligawa, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and other places of attraction in Kandy. The tour also included a visit to salubrious Nuwara Eliya before they visit the Sri Lanka Military Academy ,Diyatalawa to witness the passing out ceremony. During their visits, they also received briefings from respective senior officers. After the passing out ceremony at Diyatalawa, they attended a customary dinner night.