Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane called on President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (13).
Initiating the discussion, the General stated that his country expects stability from neighboring countries regarding regional security.
Reflecting on his military training and experience in India during his service in the Army, the President expressed his appreciation for the leadership capabilities of Sri Lankan Army personnel gained through Indian Army training.
The President inquired from General Manoj Mukund about ensuring the security of the Government of India, which is surrounded by a number of borders, military welfare in mountainous areas and directing Indian Army officers for leadership training.
After his appointment as Commander of the Brigade, Indian Army officers will be directed for leadership training and the General explained the retirement age for each rank.
Nearly a thousand Sri Lankan Army officers receive military training in India annually. In addition, a special training course for 50 Army personnel will be provided in the near future at the request of the Chief of Defense Staff and Commander of the Army, General Shavendra Silva, the Commander of the Indian Army said.
During the visit, General Manoj Naravane recalled the experience he gained while serving in the Indian Peace Keeping Force in the Trincomalee 4th Pillar area.
The President said that he too, as a former Army officer, was happy to be able to recall such an occasion.
Training Commanding Officer Maj. Gen. Rajiv Thapar, Indian Army Headquarters, Army Adviser Major General Vikrant Vilas Nike,
Foreign Office Representative Colonel Mandeep Singh Dillon, Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera, Chief Adviser to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Chief of Defense Staff and Commander of the Army General Shavendra Silva were also present at the discussion.
Meanwhile, a cordial meeting between senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) politician and Member of the State Council of India Subramaniam Swamy and President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa took place at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (13).
Mr. Subramaniam Swamy, who has held several Ministerial portfolios, advocated for a strong friendly relationship between Sri Lanka and India and stressed that India should assist in defeating terrorism in Sri Lanka.
Mr. Subramaniam, an economist and statistician, was a speaker at conferences organized by the President when he was Secretary of Defense.
The President expressed his pleasure to meet Mr. Subramaniam Swamy again during his visit.
