India and Sri Lanka Sign Agreement to Build Army Sports Complex; CAOD Dwivedi Donates Vehicles and Equipment

COLOMBO (News 1st): India's Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, along with a three member delegation, paid an official visit to the Sri Lanka Army Headquarters yesterday.

According to a statement published by Sri Lanka Army, upon his arrival, the COAS was warmly welcomed by Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, Commander of the Army. The visiting COAS was thereafter accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour according to military customs and traditions.

Statement added that the Senior Officer then called on the Commander of the Army. The meeting concluded with the signing of Letters of Exchange at the Multifunctional Hall on an Indian grant for an Indo-Lanka Sports Complex at the Army War College.

Sri Lanka Army highlighted that the COAS later attended the commendation ceremony organised to recognise members of the Disaster Response Teams for their remarkable, dedicated service and subsequently graced an event to officially hand over 20 Mahindra Scorpio vehicles, training simulators and two ambulances, reflecting the strong mutual bond between the two Army Commanders.

Major General D.K.S.K. Dolage USP nps psc, Chief of Staff, Major General Y.A.B.M. Yahampath RWP RSP ndu psc, Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General K.V.N.P. Premaratne RSP USP nps psc, Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks attended the proceedings.

Earlier during the visit, General Dwivedi visited the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), where he interacted with the faculty and officers undergoing training. He also inaugurated the Indo - Lanka Friendship Corner at the DSCSC Library and handed over an ambulance. 

In addition, he paid tribute at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Monument in Battaramulla by laying a wreath, honouring the memory and sacrifices of Indian soldiers.