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.
The event was organized by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, and the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs.
During the ceremony, ThaiPongal rituals were performed under the patronage of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. The celebration was enriched with a range of vibrant cultural performances of Hindu culture and traditions.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Environment Minister Dammika Patabedi said yesterday he had ordered an inquiry into the withdrawal of China-based Amber Adventures (Private) Ltd., from the Ambuluwawa Cable Car Project.Addressing the media, the Minister said the Environment Ministry had no direct agreement with the company, as the project was under the purview of the Board of Investment (BOI).
He said construction activities within the Ambuluwawa Environmental Zone had been suspended following complaints from environmental organisations in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. All constructions in high-risk areas, he said, had been halted pending clearance by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO).
According to the Minister, complaints had been received that construction at Ambuluwawa was continuing without NBRO clearance.
In response, the Ministry instructed the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) to conduct an investigation and thereafter construction activities were suspended pending a technical assessment by experts.
The Ministry of Environment subsequently ordered the immediate suspension of all construction activities within the Ambuluwawa Environmental Zone until the assessment was completed, he said, adding that work could resume if expert evaluations cleared the project.
Following the suspension, Amber Adventures (Private) Ltd,, described as the country’s first cable car venture, formally withdrew from the project, citing what it termed “regulatory obstruction and arbitrary state action.”
The company, a major Chinese investor in the project, proposed as Sri Lanka’s first cable car initiative with both Chinese and American investment, officially informed the BOI of its decision on Wednesday (14). In a letter to the BOI, the company said it had obtained all required permits and approvals in line with BOI procedures but faced repeated disruptions that resulted in significant financial losses.
Company Director Yuan Yuping warned that legal action would be pursued at the International Court of Arbitration to recover losses incurred due to the suspension of the project, citing continuous interruptions and government decisions as the cause.
Meanwhile, the Ambuluwawa Trust Board said the withdrawal of investors from the project was a major loss to the country, noting that it was regrettable that decisions had been taken without proper investigation, based on allegations by parties lacking a clear understanding of the facts.
It warned that halting a large-scale project of that nature would result in the loss of direct and indirect employment opportunities, as well as income sources for communities in the surrounding areas.
By Chaminda Silva and SK Samaranayake ✍️
Balangoda Kassapa Thero, held in Trincomalee remand prison over alleged violations of the Coastal Conservation Act, reportedly refused meals yesterday (15).
Prison authorities, however, said it could not be confirmed whether the monk’s action amounted to a hunger strike. Prison Media Spokesperson A. C. Gajanayake added that an official statement on the matter would be issued today (16).
The monk and eight others were remanded until 19 Jan by the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court over allegations of unauthorised construction of a shelter to place a Buddha statue at the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraj Viharaya. Prison sources said Thero had also declined food brought from outside.
The case follows reports to the court by the Trincomalee Harbour Police that unauthorised constructions had been carried out, despite instructions from the Court of Appeal to resolve the dispute peacefully.
by Chaminda Silva ✍️
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