India pledges to train Lankan armed forces even in challenging times

India would continue to offer training for Sri Lanka Armed forces, even in challenging times, High Commissioner Gopal Baglay said recently at the Indian Army Trainees Alumni Interaction.

The event was organised by the High Commission of India and was attended by many senior serving and retired officers of the Sri Lanka Army, trained at Indian Army training institutes, including the Chief Guest General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage, Commander of Sri Lanka Army.

High Commissioner Baglay highlighted, during the event, that India stands committed to help Sri Lanka in capacity building, in line with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy. He stressed that India continued to offer training for Sri Lanka Armed force, even in challenging times. He noted that training engagements between the Armed Forces have instilled a spirit of brotherhood and interoperability amongst the services. Further, engagements of this nature underscore the need for nurturing strong relations with the Indian Army Trainee Alumni in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the gathering, the CDS commended efforts of the High Commissioner in connecting the two countries as friendly, mutually-respecting and caring neighbours. He said that India has always been a pillar of strength in training of Sri Lankan Armed forces personnel and shares strong cultural, demographical and behavioral similarities, as a friendly neighbour. He expressed his gratitude for the fully fledged, funded, and comprehensive training opportunities offered by India.

“Training is the strongest and most enduring pillar of bilateral defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. Indian and Sri Lankan Armed Forces share critical bilateral training linkages, with Indian Defence Forces’ training institutes, offering the largest share of nearly 1500 training vacancies, annually, to Sri Lanka. The trainees are provided assistance, under the Special Aid Programme (SAP) of the Government of India. Quality training imparted to Sri Lankan personnel in India has contributed immensely towards a mission-ready and cohesive Sri Lanka Armed Forces,” the High Commission said in a statement yesterday.