(UTV | COLOMBO) – The Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, General Manoj Mukund Naravane met with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday (13).
General Naravane met with the President, to seek his guidance on strengthening bilateral defence linkages further, tweeted the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka.
“Sri Lanka’s leading role as a partner in security was appreciated including within the Colombo Security Conclave initiative,” said the High Commission.
The Chief of the Army Staff of India Gen. Manoj Mukund Naravane called on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees this morning.
“Between the two armed forces, we have an excellent relationship,” Gen. Naravane told Prime Minister Rajapaksa, further noting that this positive interaction will also help cement the bilateral relations between the two countries at all levels, including people-to-people connections.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the assistance provided by the Indian Armed Forces to Sri Lanka throughout the years, especially in the area of training.
During the current visit to Sri Lanka, Gen. Naravane will be presenting driving and firing simulators to the School of Sri Lanka Army Service Corps in Anuradhapura. Speaking about this to the Prime Minister, the Indian Army Chief noted that technology will play a big role in the future, particularly in the area of training.
Given the high costs involved in maintaining a standing army, Gen. Naravane pointed out that simulators can serve a very useful role.
Among other aspects discussed between the two delegations included regional concerns of fundamentalism and terrorism, and the importance of caring for veterans after their service to the country.