India, Sri Lanka Sign MoUs on L70 Gun Upgradation and Defence Cooperatio

India and Sri Lanka exchanged Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) on the upgradation of L70 Guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force, and on cooperation between the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Defence Colleges of both countries.

The upgradation of the air defence guns will strengthen the air defence architecture of critical assets in Sri Lanka. The MoU on academic cooperation will facilitate knowledge sharing to further strengthen academic ties between the two countries and formalise the NCC youth exchange programme between India and Sri Lanka.

Rajnath Singh Meets Sri Lankan President

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a visit to Sri Lanka, today called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo and discussed the entire spectrum of the multi-faceted partnership between India and Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed that India and Sri Lanka will continue working jointly to ensure the safety, security, peace and prosperity of the region. President Dissanayake reiterated that Sri Lanka would never allow its territory to be used for any activities inimical to India’s security interests.

Both sides also reaffirmed that as civilisational twins, close neighbours and maritime partners, India and Sri Lanka would continue to work together for their development and the welfare of their people.

Meanwhile, both leaders virtually inaugurated three Bailey Bridges constructed by the Indian Defence Forces.

India’s Assistance During Cyclone Ditwah Discussed

During the meeting, Mr Singh conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm greetings to President Dissanayake. In return, Mr Dissanayake expressed gratitude for the relief assistance provided by India as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu during Cyclone Ditwah.

He also expressed gratitude for the comprehensive rehabilitation package extended by New Delhi to facilitate reconstruction and rehabilitation work across different parts of the island.

Mr Singh underlined that the citizens of the two countries share deep friendship based on strong historical and civilisational links and people-to-people exchanges. He emphasised that as a closest friend and neighbour of Sri Lanka, India considers it a responsibility to provide assistance as the first responder and would continue to do so in the future.

Rajnath Singh Meets Sri Lankan Prime Minister

Mr Singh also met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and exchanged views on issues related to development cooperation, education and the close cultural and civilisational ties between India and Sri Lanka.

They underlined that as sister democracies with shared heritage, India and Sri Lanka should continue to work on a shared developmental vision for the peace and prosperity of the region.