Sri Lanka and India are anticipated to signal three new defence-related Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) throughout Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s three-day go to to Sri Lanka, in response to studies.
One of many agreements is predicted to cowl the availability of air-defence weapons from India, whereas the opposite two will concentrate on strengthening cooperation between the 2 international locations’ Cadet Corps and enhancing ties between the Sri Lanka Defence Faculty and India’s Nationwide Defence Faculty.
The 2 sides are additionally anticipated to assessment the India-Sri Lanka Defence Cooperation MoU signed throughout President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s go to to India on April 5 final yr.
Rajnath Singh is scheduled to fulfill President Dissanayake on Wednesday and can also be anticipated to go to Parliament, the place he’ll meet Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and observe parliamentary proceedings.
His go to comes as Parliament is scheduled to debate a Invoice in search of to abolish the Workplace of the Chief of Defence Employees (OCDS).
Evaluate of Ditwah reconstruction tasks
The Indian Defence Minister can also be anticipated to assessment the progress of tasks funded by India, together with reconstruction work carried out with a US$450 million help package deal supplied following harm brought on by Cyclone Ditwah final yr.
Three bridges reconstructed beneath the help programme are anticipated to be ceremonially opened remotely by Singh. Two are situated in Kurunegala District and the opposite in Batticaloa District.
Singh can also be scheduled to fulfill Sri Lankan defence officers, together with Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha and the commanders of the three armed forces, for discussions on defence cooperation.
He’s anticipated to attend a Bodhi Puja at Gangaramaya Temple and a reception aboard an Indian Navy vessel for chosen invitees.
The go to will conclude on Thursday with a go to to the Seetha Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya, after which Singh is scheduled to depart for India.
The go to can also be important as it’s reportedly the primary go to to Colombo by an Indian Defence Minister for the reason that signing of the Indo-Lanka Accord in July 1987.
