Commander of Sri Lanka Army Reviews Passing Out Parade at IMA Dehradun
Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, recently completed a significant four-day official visit to India from June 11 to June 14, 2025. This visit aimed to strengthen the long-standing military ties between the two nations. A highlight of the trip was his return to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, where he had been commissioned in 1990, to serve as the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade, marking a pivotal moment for both him and the new generation of officers, including Sri Lankan cadets.
Homecoming at the Indian Military Academy
Lieutenant General Rodrigo’s visit to the Indian Military Academy was particularly poignant. He returned to the institution where he began his military career, now in the esteemed role of Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade. This event was not only a personal milestone for him but also a significant occasion for the Sri Lankan Army, as two cadets, including RMNL Rathnayake, were commissioned as officers. Their graduation brought the total number of Sri Lankan officers commissioned from IMA to 296, underscoring India’s vital role in training military leaders from friendly nations.
In his address to the cadets, General Rodrigo expressed his deep honor in participating in the ceremony. He emphasized that commissioning is not merely about achieving a rank but about committing to a lifelong journey of service and leadership. He invoked the IMA Credo, which emphasizes duty to the nation and fellow soldiers, and encouraged the new officers to embody the values of discipline, integrity, and loyalty. His message resonated with the cadets, reminding them of their responsibilities as future leaders in the armed forces.
Strengthening Military Cooperation
During his visit, Lieutenant General Rodrigo engaged in comprehensive discussions with senior leaders of the Indian Army, including Vice Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani and GOC-in-C, South Western Command, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh. The focus of these discussions was on enhancing professional military cooperation, joint training initiatives, and regional security frameworks.
One of the key aspects of this collaboration is the bilateral exercise “Mitra Shakti,” which serves as a cornerstone for counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism training between India and Sri Lanka. The tenth edition of this exercise took place in Sri Lanka in August 2024, further solidifying operational synergy and trust between the two armies. Currently, around 700 Sri Lankan Army personnel are undergoing training at various Indian Army establishments, making Sri Lanka the largest foreign participant in Indian military training programs. This extensive training collaboration not only enhances military competence but also fosters strong interpersonal and institutional relationships.
Tradition of Army-to-Army Engagements
Lieutenant General Rodrigo’s visit is part of a broader tradition of regular Army-to-Army engagements between India and Sri Lanka. Previous Indian Army Chiefs have visited Sri Lanka for significant bilateral events, including past editions of Exercise Mitra Shakti and high-level defense dialogues. Similarly, successive Sri Lankan Army Commanders have made official visits to India, reinforcing defense diplomacy through structured cooperation and shared training ethos.
This visit was more than just a routine military engagement; it celebrated shared values, mutual trust, and enduring friendship between the two nations. From reviewing the parade at IMA to strategic discussions in Delhi and Jaipur, Lieutenant General Rodrigo’s trip highlighted the Indian Army’s crucial role in fostering strong defense ties across the Indian Ocean region. The ongoing collaboration between the two armies reflects a commitment to regional stability and security, ensuring that both nations remain prepared to address common challenges.
A Symbol of Enduring Friendship
The significance of Lieutenant General Rodrigo’s visit extends beyond military cooperation. It symbolizes the enduring friendship and shared values between India and Sri Lanka. The visit not only reinforced the commitment to mutual support but also celebrated the legacy of collaboration that has developed over the years. As both nations continue to work together, the emphasis on training, joint exercises, and strategic discussions will play a vital role in shaping the future of their military relations.
In conclusion, Lieutenant General Rodrigo’s official visit to India marks a significant step in strengthening the military ties between the two countries. The events of the visit, particularly the Passing Out Parade at IMA, serve as a reminder of the shared commitment to leadership, service, and the values that bind the Sri Lankan and Indian armies together.
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