Sri Lanka and India took another step toward strengthening their long-standing military partnership this week with an official visit by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army, highlighting growing cooperation in defence, training, and humanitarian support.
General Dwivedi arrived in Sri Lanka on 7 January and was formally welcomed by Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, in keeping with military customs and traditions. The visiting army chief was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour, marking the significance both sides attached to the visit.
During his meeting with the Sri Lankan Army Commander, the two senior officers discussed matters of mutual interest and cooperation. The engagement culminated in the signing of Letters of Exchange at the Multifunctional Hall, confirming Indian grant assistance for the construction of an Indo-Lanka Sports Complex at the Army War College. The project is intended to enhance training and welfare facilities for military personnel and reflects India’s continued support for institutional development within the Sri Lanka Army.
As part of his programme, General Dwivedi attended a commendation ceremony recognising members of Sri Lanka’s Disaster Response Teams for their dedicated service. He later presided over the official handover of 20 Mahindra Scorpio vehicles, training simulators, and two ambulances, further strengthening operational capacity and symbolising the close professional bond between the two armies.
On 8 January, General Dwivedi, accompanied by his spouse Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, paid an official visit to the Army War College, an event described by military officials as a milestone in advancing bilateral military cooperation and professional military education. He was received by Major General D.K.R.N. Silva, Commandant of the Army War College, followed by a ceremonial drive past.
During discussions with the Commandant, the Indian Army Chief exchanged views on professional military education and future avenues of cooperation. The meeting concluded with the exchange of mementos, reflecting the cordial nature of the engagement.
A key highlight of the visit was the laying of the foundation stone for the Indo-Lanka Sports Complex at the Army War College. The ceremony, conducted under interfaith blessings, symbolised unity and harmony. General Dwivedi unveiled the commemorative plaque, planted a sapling on the premises, and later presented gifts and pirikara to the religious leaders who participated in the event.
The visiting army chief also received a detailed briefing on plans for a new gymnasium, aimed at further enhancing physical training and welfare facilities at the college. In a gesture of goodwill, he presented an ambulance van to the institution, reinforcing India’s commitment to capacity building and humanitarian support.
Before concluding his visit, General Dwivedi recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book, posed for group photographs, and interacted with student officers, faculty members, and staff of the Army War College. The visit was widely seen as reaffirming the strong defence relationship between India and Sri Lanka, at a time when both countries continue to emphasise regional security, disaster preparedness, and professional military development.
