GENERAL SHAVENDRA SILVA CALLS ON THE INDIAN COUNTERPART

During the official visit of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Sri Lanka, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil to attend the Passing Out Parade of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, paid a courtesy call on his Indian counterpart, General Anil Chauhan PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM at the South Block of the Secretariat Building, New Delhi in a move that underscores the deep-rooted and enduring military cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

Upon arrival, General Silva was warmly welcomed by the Indian CDS, General Chauhan and the two dignitaries engaged in a fruitful and collaborative discussion. Commencing the discussions, the Indian CDS conveyed his gratitude to his Sri Lankan counterpart for the humble acceptance of the invitation extended to visit India and grace the Passing Out Parade of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) as the Chief Guest.

This high-level meeting holds significant importance in the context of the long-standing and multifaceted relationship between India and Sri Lanka. Defence cooperation forms a crucial pillar of their bilateral relationship, built on strong cultural, historical, and strategic ties. Further, they also discussed regional security challenges, with major concerns on counter-terrorism and maritime security. By considering these threats, both military leaders emphasised the importance of working together to address them effectively and maintain a stable and secure region.

Towards the end of the discussion, General Shavendra Silva stated that was an honour to be invited to grace such a grand ceremony in the Indian military and further stated this endeavour showcases the trust and honour the neighbouring defence forces have placed on the service of the senior most serving officer of Sri Lanka. Thanking the Indian CDS for the invitation extended General Shavendra Silva expressed his gratitude for the strong relations the armed forces of both countries maintain. The Sri Lankan CDS also emphasised the importance of the continuation of cultural exchange tours between the members of the Tri-Services of both nations.

General Shavendra Silva particularly requested the assistance of the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard in preventing drug smuggling in the high seas due to the limitation of resources in the Sri Lanka Navy. CDS stressed that this endeavour will be pivotal in protecting the future generation of Sri Lanka.

Concluding the bilateral discussions between the two Chiefs of Defence Staff of the neighbouring nations another high-rank conference was organised to discuss the defence related matters of interest to both nations with General Shavendra Silva. The Principal Senior Officers and a number of senior staff officers of the Indian Armed Forces attended the conference.

The visit, coupled with the productive discussions between the two CDSs, serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of India and Sri Lanka to further deepen their strategic partnership in the defense sector. The mementoes were exchanged between the two military heads to mark the historic occasion.

The evening was coloured with a dinner hosted by the Indian CDS, General Anil Chauhan in honour of the visit of the Sri Lankan CDS, General Shavendra Silva and his spouse Mrs Sujeewa Nelson.