The Government of India has donated defence and medical equipment valued at USD 5 million to the Sri Lanka Army, strengthening the long‑standing friendship and defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and India.
The consignment was officially handed over at Army Headquarters in Akuregoda, by India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, to Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyyakontha. The Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, was also present.
Speaking at the ceremony, High Commissioner Jha described the donation as a further outcome of the strong and enduring ties between the armed forces of the two nations. He noted that cooperation extends beyond training and humanitarian assistance to capacity building, infrastructure development, and the provision of military equipment.
He also recalled India’s swift humanitarian support during Cyclone Ditwah under Operation Sagar Bandhu, highlighting joint search and rescue operations, medical aid, and infrastructure restoration carried out in close coordination with Sri Lanka’s armed forces.
Defence Secretary Thuyyakontha, on behalf of the President and the Ministry of Defence, expressed gratitude to India, emphasizing its consistent role as a trusted partner during natural disasters, economic recovery efforts, capacity development, and defense cooperation.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Defense, the Sri Lanka Army, and the Indian High Commission in Colombo attended the event. (Newswire)
