News
India expands bilateral exercise with Sri Lanka in line with UN Charter
…highlights ever-enhancing defence co-operation to fight common threats effectively, including terrorism
The Indian High Commission here said on Thursday (29) that the annual bilateral exercise Mitra Shakthi facilitated building proficiency in tackling transnational terrorism, conduct of joint tactical operations and building combat skills.
The exercise further enhanced interoperability and mutual understanding between both the Armed forces of India and Sri Lanka in line with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and vision of ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR),’ Eldos Mathew Punnoose, Head – Press, Information and Development Cooperation stated in a press release issued after the conclusion of 9th edition of the annual exercise at Foreign Training Node in Pune, India, from 16-29 Nov 2023.
An exercise underway (pics courtesy Indian HC)
The Indian HC statement: Indian contingent comprised 120 personnel from the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment and 15 Air Warriors and officers from Indian Air Force (IAF). The Sri Lankan side was represented by 117 personnel from 53 Infantry Division and 06 personnel from Sri Lanka Air Force. Government of India deployed IAF IL-76 aircraft to facilitate the travel of the Sri Lankan contingent to Pune for the exercise.
MITRA SHAKTI-IX was the first time that the annual exercise saw participation of the two Air Forces in addition to the two Armies, making it the first bi-service edition. Based on the success of MITRA SHAKTI–VIII, the exercise was upgraded from a Combined Arms concept to bi-service level. This demonstrates the ever-enhancing defence co-operation between the two countries to fight common threats effectively, including terrorism.
In addition, MITRA SHAKTI-IX was special as it witnessed deployment of drones and counter unmanned aerial systems besides helicopters. Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), Combat reflex shooting and Yoga was also included as part of the exercise curriculum. This edition was also gender inclusive, with both sides saw participation of women officers and soldiers.
The exercise is one of the largest annual bilateral exercises in the region, held alternatively in India and Sri Lanka. It is designed to jointly rehearse sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which authorizes the Security Council to take enforcement measures, including the use of military force, to address the threats to international peace and security.
News
Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project discussed in detail
A meeting between Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and relevant ministry officials was held on Tuesday (08) at the Presidential Secretariat regarding the development plans to be implemented in Sri Lanka under three zones, in collaboration with the Surbana Jurong Institute of Singapore and 18 Ministries.
During the meeting it was discussed in detail regarding the plans for the Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project. The officials from Singapore-based urban planning and infrastructure consultancy Surbana Jurong also joined the discussion virtually.
Progress reports on the three projects were reviewed in detail and Dr. Kumanayake instructed the officials to identify any deficiencies and finalize the necessary actions within the next two weeks.
The discussion also addressed delays in securing necessary approvals for investments under the existing regulatory framework, as well as the urgent need to revise certain legislative instruments to better facilitate national development.
The meeting was attended by Secretary to the Prime Minister G.P. Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russel Aponsu, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing U.G. Ranjith Ariyaratne, and several senior officials from the respective ministries.
News
Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued a Warm Weather Advisory for 09 April 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, and Western provinces and in Monaragala district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned below is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Prof. Jayasumana raises possibility of Lanka ending up with “Quad’
Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has said it is the responsibility of the NPP government to submit the MoUs/agreements that were recently signed with India to the respective Sectoral Oversight Committees (SOCs).
Premadasa said so when The Island raised the issue with him. He said that during his meeting with Premier Modi his focus had been on opening the Indian market for Sri Lankan garment exports.
The seven MoUs/agreements signed on 05 April included defence cooperation, energy, Eastern Province development and digitalisation.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of Sarvajana Balaya and former lawmaker Prof. Channa Jayasumana said that the government owed an explanation whether the recently signed MoU on defence cooperation directly or indirectly attached Sri Lanka to the Quad security alliance, consisting of the US, Australia, Japan and India.
The former SLPPer raised the issue at a meeting held at Boralesgamuwa on Monday (07) in support of Sarvajana Balaya candidates contesting the May 6 LG polls.
Prof. Jayasumana urged that the MoU on Defence Cooperation be placed before Parliament, and the people, without further delay. The academic who served as State Health Minister during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s foreign policy direction should be dealt with.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project discussed in detail
IPL 2025: Sensational Priyansh Arya condemns Chennai Super Kings to another loss
Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]
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