News
Army Commander visits Jaipur, holds talks with South Western Command officials
Jaipur, June 13 (IANS) In a significant step towards enhancing military cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, is on a two-day official visit to the Sapta Shakti Command headquartered in Jaipur from June 12 to 13.
Upon his arrival, Lt Gen Rodrigo was accorded a warm and ceremonial welcome by Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the South Western Command.
The visit underlined the deep-rooted defence ties and mutual respect shared between the two neighbouring nations.
During his stay, Lt Gen Rodrigo held comprehensive discussions with Lt Gen Manjinder Singh and other senior officers of the South Western Command.
The dialogue focused on a wide range of strategic and operational issues, including regional security dynamics, joint training programs, capability enhancement, and the sharing of best practices. These discussions aimed to foster greater interoperability and understanding between the two armies.
A highlight of the visit was a dynamic display of military equipment and a live combat demonstration centered on counter-terrorism operations. The demonstration showcased the Indian Armys tactical acumen, operational readiness, and technological capabilities in dealing with modern security threats.
In addition to the military engagements, Lt Gen Rodrigo also explored Rajasthan s rich cultural and martial heritage. He visited key military landmarks and heritage sites, gaining insights into Indias historical military traditions and the valour of its armed forces.
Officials emphasized that the visit reflects the enduring commitment of India and Sri Lanka to deepen their defence cooperation. Rooted in decades of shared history and mutual trust, the partnership aims to promote regional peace, stability, and a collaborative approach to emerging security challenges.
This high-level military engagement is expected to further strengthen the camaraderie between the two armies, enhance capacity-building efforts, and expand avenues for future military exchanges and joint initiatives.
A discussion with the Catholic Council was held on Thursday (21) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat under the co-chairmanship of Minister of Science and Technology, Chrishantha Abeysena and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Discussions focused on administrative issues relating to Catholic schools taken over by the Government, the formulation of a structured teacher cadre system for Catholic religious education, the need to recruit Catholic nuns and priests into the teaching profession and the establishment of a mechanism to obtain the support of the Ministry of Education for the administration of Government-acquired Catholic schools.
It was also decided that discussions with the Catholic Council would be held three times annually, while Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage would serve as Secretary to the forum.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the Catholic Council, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith thanked President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Government for facilitating the discussion.
His Eminence further stated that the expectation was to ensure every student, without discrimination, is given the opportunity to learn his or her own religion and stressed the importance of resolving the prevailing issues within the education sector.
Also present at the occasion were Most Rev. Bishop Harold Anthony Perera, Most Rev. Bishop Christy Noel Emmanuel, Most Rev. Bishop Anton Ranjith, Most Rev. Bishop Wimal Siri Jayasuriya, other clergy representing the Catholic Council, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewa and senior officials of the Ministry of Education.
(PMD)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to broaden the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, which was launched last year. Unlike the inaugural edition held in November 2025 that featured eight Associate teams, the second edition will comprise 10 teams, including five Test-playing nations. The tournament is scheduled to be held in November this year.
Italian Navy’s ITS GIOVANNI DELLE BANDE NERE, which arrived in Colombo (21 May 2026) on a replenishment visit, departed the island today (22 May).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade a customary farewell to the departing ship in compliance with naval traditions at the port of Colombo.
During her brief stay in Colombo, the Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander Antonio BUFIS called on the Commander Western Naval Area at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
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