• I sincerely believe to have more such programmes organised in future  too in order to share our experiences and military knowledge

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane said yesterday that existing friendly ties between both Indian and Sri Lankan armies would be strengthened as a result of joint military exercises such as “Mitra Shakthi”.   

He made these remarks at the final mock demonstration of the largest-ever joint Exercise ‘Mitra Shakthi VIII’ by the Sri Lanka Army and the Indian Army which was held yesterday in the presence of Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane and Army Commander General Shavendra Silva at Maduru Oya Special Forces Training School (SFTS) grounds.   
An all arms contingent of 120 of the Indian Army and an equal number from Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment of the Sri Lankan Army were participating in the 8th edition of the Exercise ‘Mitra Shakti’ after the Exercise kicked off on 3rd October 2021.   The India-Sri Lanka bilateral joint Exercise, designed to enhance understanding of transnational terrorism, inter-operability skills, conduct of joint tactical operations, sharing of each other’s best practices and experiences.   
Speaking to the media, Indian Army Chief said that he believed the existing friendly ties between both armies were further strengthened as a result of this joint Exercise as the armies in both countries continue to closely liaise with each other.   “The exercise “Mitra Shakti” means strength and friendship and this Exercise further deepened those ties, and I sincerely believe to have more such programmes organised in future too in order to share our experiences and military knowledge,” General Naravane said.   

General Shavendra Silva said the exercise was a very valuable opportunity for both armies to improve their professional standards, individual competencies and bilateral working relations, while sharing each other’s experiences which also contribute to the goodwill of both countries.   The annual training programme which has largely contributed to strengthen bilateral military cooperation, understanding and bonds of neighbourly relations between both services takes place alternately either in India or Sri Lanka every year.   The army said that COVID-19 health guidelines were strictly followed during the entire exercise. 

• The exercise was a very valuable opportunity for both armies to improve  their professional standards, individual competencies and bilateral  working relations