Latest news with #SriLankaArmy
India Gazette
15-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Sri Lankan Army commander calls on General Dwivedi for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation
New Delhi [India], June 15 (ANI): Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, called on Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and discussed enhancing bilateral Defence Cooperation, strengthening military-to-military ties and reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and global peace. Talking about the meeting in a post on X, the army said on Saturday, 'India and Sri Lanka, Forging Stronger Bonds Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, called on General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS at the Army House. They engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral Defence Cooperation, strengthening military-to-military ties and reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and global peace.' Earlier, in a show of India-Sri Lanka military cooperation, Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake of the Sri Lanka Army 'pipped' his son, Foreign Officer Cadet RMNL Rathnayake at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), marking his first day as a commissioned Sri Lankan Army officer. The ceremony brought the total number of Sri Lankan Army Officers commissioned from IMA to 296, according to the Army. 'This pipping ceremony brings the total number of Sri Lankan Army Officers commissioned from #IMA to 296, highlighting India's long-standing bonds with the friendly foreign countries and Indian Army's commitment in defence cooperation,' the Army said in another post on X. The Sri Lankan Army Chief also congratulated the graduating officer cadets on successfully completing their training and praised both cadets and instructors for the parade's discipline, coordination, and presentation. According to a statement, this visit is a reflection of the traditional, strong and historical military relations between the armies of India and Sri Lanka and will further strengthen mutual cooperation. On this occasion, a total of 451 officer cadets of the 156th Regular Course, 45th Technical Entry Scheme (TES) and 139th Technical Graduate Course, 32 foreign cadets from nine friendly nations including Special Commissioned Officers (SCO-54) completed their training and bid a proud farewell to the academy. (ANI)
New Indian Express
15-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Down memory lane: Lankan Army chief recounts days at alma mater
NEW DELHI: It was an emotional homecoming for Lieutenant (Lt) General (Gen) BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo when he reviewed the passing out parade at the hallowed portals of the Indian Military Academy. Now, the Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, he returned as the Reviewing Officer for the passing out parade (PoP), witnessing the commissioning of a new generation of officers, including foreign cadets from Sri Lanka. It was in December 1990 that General Rodrigo was commissioned as part of the 87th IMA Course and rose to command one of the most battle hardened armies in the sub-continent. While addressing the passing out course the Reviewing Officer said, 'I am deeply honoured and moved to the point of tears to stand before you as the first IMA alumnus to return as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and review this parade.' 'Looking at your faces, I see my younger self. This place doesn't just train officers; it forges bonds that last a lifetime. He thanked General Upendra Dwivedi and the Indian Army for the kind invitation. The Indian Army in a statement said that General Rodrigo reflected on how his journey, like that of the officer cadets present, had begun with a simple haircut in the barber chair of the Indian Military Academy. He reminded the officer cadets that today, they were not just wearing a rank but they were embracing a way of life. Quoting the IMA Credo, the General Officer highlighted the three unshakable responsibilities that every officer must uphold. First, to the Nation - second, to their soldiers and third, to the families of our brave hearts, the Army added. The General Officer reminded the officer cadets that they now belong to an unbroken chain of patriots and warriors, urging them to wear the uniform not just with pride, but with purpose. The Chief of Sri Lanka Army said the Academy has not only shaped soldiers but future guardians of the nation. As their real journey begins, he urges them to lead with wisdom, fight for what's right, and carry the hopes of a billion with pride. Gen Rodrigo was on four-day official visit to India, from June 11 to 14, reinforcing the longstanding and robust military ties between the two armies. While for Gen Rodrigo it was the last day of his visit to India, the IMA PoP on Saturday had another symbolic story with two Sri Lankan officer cadets, including RMNL Rathnayake, son of Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake, passing out as commissioned officers.
The Print
14-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Commander of Sri Lanka Army calls on Gen Dwivedi
'India & Sri Lanka, Forging Stronger Bonds Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, called on #GeneralUpendraDwivedi #COAS at the Army House. They engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral #DefenceCooperation, strengthening military-to-military ties and reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and global peace,' it posted. The Indian Army shared the update, along with some photos of their meeting, in a post on X. New Delhi, Jun 14 (PTI) Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lt Gen BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, met Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi here and engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral defence cooperation and strengthening military-to-military ties, officials said on Saturday. Lt Gen Rodrigo is on an official visit to India from June 11-14. It underscores the continued efforts of both nations to 'further strengthen and deepen' their longstanding defence partnership, the defence ministry said on June 11. On Saturday, the general officer graced the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, as the Reviewing Officer. This visit marked a return to his alma mater, where he was commissioned in December 1990, as part of the 87th Course of the IMA. In another post, the Indian Army said, 'Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, attended the Pipping Ceremony of newly Commissioned Officers held after the Passing Out Parade, #POP. He also pipped the two # GentlemanCadets of #SriLanka into Commissioned Officers.' Lt Gen Rodrigo, while congratulating the newly commissioned officers and their proud parents, exhorted them to uphold the highest traditions and ethos of their respective armies and strive to be 'exemplary leaders' in the future. In a separate post, the Indian Army said, 'Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake of Sri Lanka Army pipped his son, Foreign Officer Cadet RMNL Rathnayake, to be a Commissioned Officer in the Sri Lanka Army.' 'This pipping ceremony brings the total number of Sri Lankan Army Officers commissioned from #IMA to 296, highlighting India's long-standing bonds with the friendly foreign countries and the Indian Army's commitment to defence cooperation,' it added. PTI KND RHL This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Commander of Sri Lanka Army calls on Gen Dwivedi
New Delhi, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lt Gen BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, met Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi here and engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral defence cooperation and strengthening military-to-military ties, officials said on Saturday. The Indian Army shared the update, along with some photos of their meeting, in a post on X. "India & Sri Lanka, Forging Stronger Bonds Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, called on #GeneralUpendraDwivedi #COAS at the Army House. They engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral #DefenceCooperation, strengthening military-to-military ties and reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and global peace," it posted. Lt Gen Rodrigo is on an official visit to India from June 11-14. It underscores the continued efforts of both nations to "further strengthen and deepen" their longstanding defence partnership, the defence ministry said on June 11. On Saturday, the general officer graced the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy , Dehradun, as the Reviewing Officer. This visit marked a return to his alma mater, where he was commissioned in December 1990, as part of the 87th Course of the IMA. In another post, the Indian Army said, "Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, attended the Pipping Ceremony of newly Commissioned Officers held after the Passing Out Parade, #POP. He also pipped the two # GentlemanCadets of #SriLanka into Commissioned Officers." Lt Gen Rodrigo, while congratulating the newly commissioned officers and their proud parents, exhorted them to uphold the highest traditions and ethos of their respective armies and strive to be "exemplary leaders" in the future. In a separate post, the Indian Army said, "Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake of Sri Lanka Army pipped his son, Foreign Officer Cadet RMNL Rathnayake, to be a Commissioned Officer in the Sri Lanka Army." "This pipping ceremony brings the total number of Sri Lankan Army Officers commissioned from #IMA to 296, highlighting India's long-standing bonds with the friendly foreign countries and the Indian Army's commitment to defence cooperation," it added.
India Gazette
14-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Hyderabad: Combined graduation parade organised to mark pre-commissioning training of Flight Cadets from Indian Air Force
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], June 14 (ANI): A combined graduation parade was conducted in Hyderabad to mark the completion of pre-commissioning training of Flight Cadets from various branches of the Indian Air Force. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, was the Reviewing Officer for the graduation ceremony at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad. Earlier today, the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the Spring Term 2025 was conducted at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Uttarakhand's Dehradun. Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, was the Reviewing Officer at the Passing Out Parade. Lt General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, presented medals to Officer Cadets. The coveted award of the Sword of Honour was presented to Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra. Gold Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit was presented to Academy Under Officer Ronit Ranjan Nayak. Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing Second in the Order of Merit was presented to Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra. Bronze Medal for the Officer Cadet standing Third in the Order of Merit was presented to Battalion Under Officer Anurag Verma. Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from the Technical Graduate Course was presented to Sergeant Akash Bhadouriya. Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from the Technical Entry Scheme (TES-45) was presented to Wing Cadet Quarter Master Kapil. Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from a Foreign Country was presented to Foreign Officer Cadet Nishan Balami (Nepal). Chief of Army Staff Banner was awarded to Keren Company for standing Overall First amongst 12 companies for the Spring Term 2025.451 cadets participated in the passing out parade from India and abroad, will become part of their respective countries' army as officers. These include 419 cadets of the Indian Army and 32 foreign cadets. (ANI)
