
Sri Lanka Army Chief visits Jaipur to strengthen defence ties with India
Marking a key step in strengthening India–Sri Lanka defence cooperation, Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, concluded a two-day official visit to the Indian Army’s South Western Command, headquartered in Jaipur, from June 12–13.
Lt Gen Rodrigo was received with a ceremonial welcome by Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of Sapta Shakti Command. The visit underscores the close military partnership and longstanding ties between the two neighbouring nations.
During the visit, Lt Gen Rodrigo engaged in wide-ranging discussions with senior Indian Army officials. The talks covered strategic and operational issues including regional security, joint training initiatives, knowledge sharing, and efforts to enhance interoperability between the two armies.
A highlight of the visit was a live demonstration of combat tactics focused on counter-terrorism operations, showcasing India’s operational preparedness and technological strengths. The Sri Lankan delegation was also given a detailed display of advanced military equipment used by the South Western Command.
In a cultural engagement, Lt Gen Rodrigo explored Rajasthan’s rich military and historical heritage by visiting key military sites and heritage landmarks in and around Jaipur.
Army officials emphasized that such high-level military exchanges reinforce the shared vision of India and Sri Lanka to address evolving security challenges in the region through cooperation and trust. The engagement is expected to pave the way for deeper capacity-building, joint exercises, and future defence collaborations.