News

50 yr. association between Indian NDC & SL Armed Forces, celebrated

Published

1 month ago

August 29, 2023

editor

The High Commission of India in Colombo yesterday (28) commemorated 50 years of association between National Defence College (NDC), India and Sri Lankan Armed Forces.

The event celebrated the enduring bonds of cooperation, camaraderie and friendship among the militaries of the two countries. Secretary of Defence Gen Kamal Gunaratne(Retd) was the Chief Guest of the event. Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen Shavendra Silva, Commanders of Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force along with officers from NDC, India and dignitaries from Ministry of Defence attended the event.

Gen Kamal Gunaratne(Retd) along with High Commissioner of India – Mr. Gopal Baglay felicitated the Guest of Honour, Admiral DB Goonesekara (Retd) on the special occasion. Admiral Goonesekara has the distinction of being the first NDC India alumni in Sri Lanka. Accepting the felicitations, he shared his cherished experiences from the times he spent at NDC, India in 1972, more than 50 years ago.

Indian High Commissioner – Mr. Gopal Baglay highlighted at the event that India stands committed to Sri Lanka’s capacity building endeavours in line with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’. He emphasized that training engagements between the Armed Forces have instilled a spirit of brotherhood and interoperability amongst the services and form the foundation of their strong bonds.

Addressing the gathering, Secretary Defence commended the efforts of the High Commissioner to bridge the bonds between the two nations across various dimensions. He underlined that India has always been a pillar of strength in training of Sri Lankan Armed forces personnel and shares strong cultural, demographical and behavioral similarities as a friendly neighbour. He further expressed his gratitude for the fully funded and comprehensive training opportunities being provided to Sri Lanka Armed Forces.

The event was attended by close to 50 NDC India alumni in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Armed Forces officers constitute around 10% of the total capacity building vacancies allocated to officers from foreign countries, making such allocation the largest.

News

Landslide warnings extended

Published

8 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

The Department of Irrigation says that the water levels in the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are rising to levels that requires attention.

Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department S. P. C. Sugeeshwara says that the Gin, Nilwala and Kalu Ganga remain at the flood level.

Many roads in the vicinity of the rivers have been inundated.

S. P. C Sugeeshwara warns that people should refrain from further using the rivers.

The landslide warnings issued to seven districts have also been extended, due to the prevailing weather conditions.

The Met Department predicts that the heavy showers in the South West will continue.

Heavy showers of about 75 mm can be expected in some areas.

News

“SLPP Leadership can change if needed”

Published

11 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

Former President Mahinda Rajapaska yesterday said that there should be a change in the leadership of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), if the need arises.

When the former President was asked about the veracity of the news on social media about imminent change of the SLPP leadership, said that he is not aware of any change in the leadership.

The President was speaking to the media after calling on Mahanayake Thera of the Rammanya Maha Nikaya Most Ven. Makulewe Sri Wimala Thera at the Vidyawasa Pirivena in Meerigama yesterday.

Commenting on the impending regulations on social media, the former President said that there are pros and cons in the social media. “I don’t have any issue with the social media,” he said.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also visited the Sacred Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya and participated in religious activities. The Former President also met Chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Thera and received his blessings.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, the former President said that he is physically fit despite social media reports to the contrary.

(dailynews.lk)