LIEUTENANT GENERAL BKGM LASANTHA RODRIGO APPOINTED AS COMMANDER OF THE SRI LANKA ARMY
Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, is on an official visit to India from June 11 to June 14, 2025. This visit aims to bolster military cooperation between the two nations and explore new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in training and capability enhancement. It reflects the ongoing commitment of both countries to strengthen their long-standing defense partnership.
Wreath-Laying Ceremony and Guard of Honour
The first day of Lieutenant General Rodrigo’s visit commenced with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. This act of remembrance honored the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Following the ceremony, he received a formal Guard of Honour in the South Block Lawns, a significant gesture attended by senior officials from the Indian Army. This ceremonial event not only showcased respect for military traditions but also symbolized the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and India.
After the Guard of Honour, Lieutenant General Rodrigo engaged in high-level discussions with Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, the Vice Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army. Their discussions covered a wide range of topics, including bilateral defense cooperation and regional security concerns. The meetings provided an opportunity for both military leaders to address mutual interests and enhance their collaborative efforts in defense.
Meetings with Senior Military Officials
Lieutenant General Rodrigo’s schedule included meetings with several key figures in the Indian military. He met with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of Air Staff, as well as Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, the Defence Secretary. These discussions focused on broader defense and security issues, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the two nations.
Additionally, Lieutenant General Rodrigo was briefed on Operation Sindoor and India’s security perspective by senior officers of the Indian Army. These interactions aimed to deepen understanding and collaboration on various defense matters, reinforcing the commitment of both countries to work together for regional stability.
Upcoming Engagements and Significance of the Visit
On June 12, 2025, Lieutenant General Rodrigo is scheduled to visit Jaipur, where he will meet Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Command. His visit will culminate on June 14, when he will serve as the Reviewing Officer at the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. This occasion holds personal significance for him, as he was commissioned from the IMA in December 1990.
The event will also feature Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake of the Sri Lanka Army, who will attend to witness his son, Foreign Officer Cadet RMNL Rathnayake, being commissioned. This moment highlights the enduring spirit of camaraderie and leadership between the two armies, showcasing the personal and professional connections that bind them.
Lieutenant General Rodrigo’s visit to India is marked by a series of productive engagements aimed at enhancing the defense relationship between Sri Lanka and India. This visit not only underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen military ties but also emphasizes their shared focus on regional security and peace.
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