The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka states that the Indian Defence Minister’s visit to Sri Lanka has been deferred.

The Indian HC adds that fresh dates are to be decided later.

The Indian Defence Minister – Shri Rajnath Singh was scheduled to visit Sri Lanka this weekend (September 02-03) to review bilateral defence ties.

(Previous News: 01^st Sep. 2023 at 06:02pm)

Indian Defence Minister to visit Trinco & N’Eliya

Defence Minister of India, Shri Rajnath Singh is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka this weekend (September 02-03) to review bilateral defence ties.

During the visit, Mr. Singh will hold talks with President and Defence Minister of Sri Lanka – Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister – Mr. Dinesh Gunawardena, a statement by the Indian High Commission in Colombo notes.

The entire gamut of India’s defence ties with Sri Lanka will be reviewed during these meetings. 

Mr. Singh will also visit Nuwara Eliya and Trincomalee.

In a statement, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka states : “This visit of Shri Rajnath Singh reiterates India’s continued commitment in furthering the existing warm and friendly relations with Sri Lanka. The visit is an important landmark in deepening the enduring bonds of friendship between the two countries in the defence sphere.”

INS Delhi arrives in Colombo

Meanwhile, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Delhi’ arrived at the port of Colombo on a formal visit this morning (Sep. 01) and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval tradition.

INS ‘Delhi’ is a 163.2m long Destroyer manned by a crew of 450 and the ship is commanded by Captain Abhishek Kumar. Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the ship called on Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Suresh De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters this morning.

During the ship’s stay, the crew will take part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, with a view to promoting cooperation and goodwill between two navies. They are also expected to visit some of the tourist attractions in the country.

In addition, INS ‘Delhi’ has made arrangements to open the ship for the visit of school children. 

Further, training exchanges are scheduled to be held aboard, involving naval personnel from both navies. The ship is expected to depart the island on 03rd September and she will conduct a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with a ship of Sri Lanka Navy, off Colombo.

(Pics : navy.lk)