JUNE 14: In a significant demonstration of the strong defence ties between India and Sri Lanka, Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, concluded his official four-day visit to India from 11th to 14th June 2025. His visit reinforced the historic military cooperation between the two countries.
A highlight of his visit was a nostalgic return to his alma mater, the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, where he was commissioned into service in December 1990 as part of the 87th Course. Now the Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, Lieutenant General Rodrigo had the honour of serving as the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade, witnessing the commissioning of a new generation of officers, which included foreign cadets from Sri Lanka.
The ceremony was particularly special as two Sri Lankan cadets, including RMNL Rathnayake — son of Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake — were commissioned, bringing the total number of Sri Lankan officers commissioned from IMA to 296. This milestone underscores India’s continued role in training and shaping future military leaders from friendly foreign nations.
Addressing the cadets, Lieutenant General Rodrigo shared personal reflections and words of guidance. He emphasized that joining the armed forces goes beyond earning a rank; it is a lifetime commitment to service, responsibility, and leadership. Stressing discipline, integrity, loyalty, and honour, he encouraged the young officers to carry forward the legacy of IMA with pride and to lead with courage and wisdom. Citing Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw’s timeless advice, he reminded them: “Be truthful, be honest, be fearless.”
During his visit, Lieutenant General Rodrigo also engaged in in-depth discussions with senior Indian Army officials, including Vice Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani and South Western Command’s GOC-in-C Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh. The discussions focused on enhancing professional cooperation, joint training initiatives, and strengthening regional security frameworks.
India and Sri Lanka share a robust military partnership exemplified by the “Mitra Shakti” exercise, which focuses on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. The 10th edition was held in Sri Lanka in August 2024, further deepening operational coordination and trust.
Currently, around 700 Sri Lankan Army personnel are undergoing specialized training across various premier Indian military institutions, making Sri Lanka the largest foreign contingent in Indian military training programmes.
Lieutenant General Rodrigo’s visit continues the tradition of strong military engagement, reflecting the deep-rooted friendship and shared defence values between the two nations.