GENERAL SHAVENDRA SILVA CALLS ON INDIAN DEFENCE SECRETARY

Highlighting the long-standing and robust military cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Sri Lanka, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary of India, Shri Aramane Giridha, during his official visit to attend the Passing Out Parade of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun.

General Shavendra Silva was warmly welcomed upon his arrival and escorted to the office of the Defence Secretary. The two dignitaries engaged in a cordial and productive discussion, focusing on various bilateral defence concerns and reaffirming their commitment to further strengthen the existing ties between the two nations.

The discussions encompassed a wide range of topics, including ongoing defence cooperation initiatives between India and Sri Lanka, potential avenues for further collaboration, and areas of mutual interest in regional security. Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the current level of engagement and reiterated their intention to explore new opportunities for collaboration in the future. During the discussions, General Shavendra Silva took time to recall the strong collaboration that exists between the Sri Lanka Army and the Indian Army as well as the other sister services maintained with their Indian counterparts.

The meeting between General Shavendra Silva and Defence Secretary Shri Giridha also touched upon regional security challenges, including counter-terrorism and maritime security. Both sides acknowledged the importance of working together to address these common threats and maintain peace and stability in the region.

The meeting holds significant importance in the context of the long-standing and multifaceted relationship between India and Sri Lanka. Over the years, India and Sri Lanka have collaborated on a wide range of defence initiatives, including joint military exercises, training programmes, and equipment exchanges. This high-level visit and the productive discussions held between the CDS of Sri Lanka and the Defence Secretary of India reaffirm the commitment of both nations to further deepen their strategic partnership.