Navy Chief Meets Sri Lankan Prez To Discuss Bilateral Military Ties

Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar met with Sri Lanka’s senior political and defence leadership, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe, to discuss expanding bilateral defence cooperation.

On Wednesday, Kumar, who arrived in Sri Lanka on Tuesday for a four-day visit, met with President Wickremesinghe.

The discussions centred on expanding India-Sri Lanka defence cooperation in order to strengthen bilateral ties. Sri Lanka's role in steering the Colombo Security Conclave toward ensuring regional peace and security was recognised, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said in a tweet.

He also made a phone call to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

Discussed the importance of strong defence ties between and meant to strengthen further existing linkages between the two countries' Armed Forces, the mission tweeted.

Kumar also met with Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, Sri Lanka's State Minister of Defence.

On Thursday, the CNS (Chief of Naval Staff) conveyed India's commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, including opportunities for greater defence industry collaboration, the Indian Navy tweeted.

He also met with Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne.

Fruitful discussions on maritime security issues of mutual interest and prospects for further enhancing maritime cooperation, the Indian Navy tweeted.

Onboard the INS Sahayadri, High Commissioner Gopal Baglay and the Navy chief hosted a reception.

The reception was attended by Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, ministers including Nimal Siripala Silva, Douglas Devananda, Kanchana Wijesekera and several dignitaries and friends of India.

“Truly a memorable evening on board!!!” tweeted the Indian mission.

Kumar also paid a visit to the Sri Lanka Navy Ship SLNS Sindurala and naval facilities in Colombo.

During interactions, the Sri Lanka navy leadership and the ship's crew acknowledged the operational utility of the OPVs built for the Sri Lanka Navy by @goashipyardltd, the mission said.

Admiral Kumar paid his respects at the IPKF Memorial on Tuesday, remembering the supreme sacrifice of valiant Indian soldiers.

Between 1987 and 1990, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was the Indian military contingent performing a peacekeeping mission in Sri Lanka.

Kumar has been invited to be the Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Trincomalee, for the Commissioning Parade on Thursday.

Admiral Kumar's visit comes months after a Chinese spy ship docked at Sri Lanka's Hambantota port, sparking a diplomatic spat between New Delhi and Colombo.