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Lankan, Indian Armed Forces exchange visits to foster goodwill
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Inidan military personnel with families arrive at the BIA while below, Sri Lankan military leave the BIA. Pix by Ishanka Sunimal
The 160 Sri Lankan Armed Forces Personnel and their families, designated for the 2nd Bodh Gaya Pilgrimage, organised by the High Commission of India, met with 160 Indian Armed Forces personnel and their families at Bandaranaike International Airport yesterday. The latter are here on the invitation of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army.
“The initiative began last year following discussions held to increase interactions between the Armed Forces of both countries,” the High Commission of India said in a press release. This year, the duration of the pilgrimage has been extended to 4 days and, for the first time, saw a reciprocal visit by their Indian counterparts and their respective families.
The Indian visitors will visit historic locations, including the Mahabodhi Temple, the 80-foot tall statue of the Buddha, and the Rajgiri and Nalanda museums. They will also visit Galle and Kandy, where they will pay their respects at the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
It is expected that such visits will provide an ideal platform to develop personal and lasting bonds of friendship between the Armed Forces of the two countries, which already share a very deep and robust professional relationship. High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Sri Lanka Army Commander Lt Gen Mahesh Senananyake were at the airport to receive the Indian delegation visiting Sri Lanka, and see off the Sri Lankan delegation to India.
