The Sri Lanka Air Force participated in a multinational air exercise in India, alongside the air forces of the United States, France and Germany, as Sri Lanka continues to expand military cooperation with foreign countries.

A Sri Lankan Air Force Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft, and a six-member crew, took part in Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, held at Air Force Station Jodhpur, from September 26 to October 12.

The exercise was hosted by the Indian Air Force, under the theme “Power in Partnership,” and involved Australia, Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates, among other participating countries.

According to the Sri Lanka Air Force, the exercise was aimed at enhancing operational cooperation and interoperability among participating air forces and providing opportunities to share tactics and operational experience.

India’s public broadcaster reported that the exercise included training and experience in planning and conducting joint multinational combat operations, including counter-air, air defence, reconnaissance and air-to-air refuelling missions.

The exercise also involved 32 countries as observers.

Sri Lanka’s participation comes amid increased military engagement with foreign partners. India and Sri Lanka recently exchanged 240 military personnel under a tri-service exchange programme.

Sri Lankan military personnel also recently participated in a counter-terrorism exercise with Russia, while a senior US Army Pacific official visited Sri Lanka and discussed opportunities for greater joint training.

Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was granted bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court yesterday (16) in connection with the alleged misappropriation of funds linked to the ‘Siriliya Saviya’ organisation.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered her release on two surety bonds of Rs. 10 million each and a cash bail of Rs. 100,000. The Magistrate also imposed an overseas travel ban on her.

Rajapaksa was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over allegations of criminal misappropriation and financial irregularities involving an account linked to the ‘Siriliya Saviya’ Fund.

The investigation centres on the alleged misuse of Rs. 10 million provided by the National Savings Bank to the organisation.

Meanwhile, a medical report submitted to the court yesterday indicated that Rajapaksa required bypass surgery.

After examining the report, the Magistrate told court that it detailed her medical condition and indicated the need for the procedure. He also noted that the report had been submitted with a covering letter from the Director of the Colombo National Hospital.

by Norman Palihawadane

Three Thai nationals were arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake after nearly five kilos of hashish were allegedly found concealed in beauty products, police said.

The suspects were arrested by officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau on Thursday after arriving on a flight from Bangkok, Thailand.

Investigators said the suspects had allegedly concealed the narcotics in cosmetic and beauty-care products and attempted to smuggle them into Sri Lanka.