New Delhi, June 11 (UNI) Commander of the Sri Lanka Army Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo arrived here on Wednesday on a four-day official visit aimed at enhancing bilateral military cooperation.



This visit is set to enhance bilateral military cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the areas of training and capability enhancement, a Defence Ministry statement said.



It underscores the continued efforts of both nations to further strengthen and deepen their longstanding defence partnership.



Lt Gen Rodrigo held a series of high-level meetings beginning with an in-depth interaction with Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army. Both the military leaders discussed wide ranging issues including aspects of bilateral defence cooperation and regional security concerns.



Later, he was briefed on Operation Sindoor and India’s security perspective. He was also briefed by other senior officers of the Indian Army on matters of mutual interest.



Lt Gen Rodrigo met with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of Air Staff and Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary. These meetings provided an opportunity for the exchange of views on broader defence and security issues, focusing on matters of mutual interests.



He also planted a tree at the Manekshaw Centre, symbolising time-tested relation of Indian and Sri Lanka Army.



On June 12, Lt Gen Rodrigo will visit Jaipur and meet Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command.



The General Officer will grace the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, as the Reviewing Officer on June 14.

This visit will mark a poignant return to his alma mater, where he was commissioned in December 1990, with the 87th Course of the IMA-an experience that laid the foundation of his illustrious military career.



His presence at the Academy will rekindle memories of his formative years, now brought full circle as he would review a new generation of officers.

Adding a personal and emotional dimension to the ceremony, Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake of Sri Lanka Army, will also be in attendance to witness his son, Foreign Officer Cadet RMNL Rathnayake, being commissioned with the current course. This confluence of legacy and leadership underscores the enduring spirit of camaraderie and leadership connect between the two Armies.



Lt Gen BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo’s visit to India is marked by a series of productive engagements, aimed at furthering the defence relationship between Sri Lanka and India. The visit not only highlights the commitment of both nations to strengthening their military ties but also underscores their shared focus on regional security and peace. UNI RBE SSP