In a significant move to enhance defence collaboration between India and Sri Lanka, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh inaugurated the Indo-Sri Lanka Friendship Reading Section at the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) in Diyatalawa. This newly established reading section aims to provide expanded academic resources for Sri Lankan military cadets, supporting their intellectual growth in conjunction with their military training.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior military officers from both nations, highlighting the strong camaraderie and cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. Shri Singh participated in a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, a cultural symbol of goodwill, and also signed the visitor’s book. The presence of Indian and Sri Lankan flags during the ceremony underscored the collaboration, and a group photograph on the academy steps served as a visual testament to the enduring partnership.
Founded in 1949, SLMA is recognized as the oldest military training institution in Sri Lanka, providing a comprehensive 2-year-9-month Cadet Entry Degree Program. This program integrates leadership training, military tactics, legal education, and academic studies, culminating in a bachelor’s degree through its affiliation with General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University since 2011. The academy currently trains over 300 cadets, preparing them for mandatory service in the Sri Lanka Army.
This initiative reflects India’s ongoing commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s military education and enhancing its capacity-building initiatives. The two countries maintain a robust defence partnership, which includes joint exercises such as Mitra Shakti and SLINEX, as well as trilateral coastguard operations with the Maldives. Notably, more than 60 percent of Sri Lankan military personnel are trained in India, signifying a deep trust in Indian expertise.
During the inauguration, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh stressed the importance of intellectual development in military training. He expressed hope that the new reading section would foster strategic thinking among cadets and help cultivate future leaders within the Sri Lankan military.
The establishment of this reading section also reflects India’s strategic initiative to deepen its defence ties with Sri Lanka. This move comes at a time when regional geopolitical dynamics are shifting, particularly with the increasing influence of other powers like China. Despite the historical challenges, including the Indian Peace Keeping Force operation in the late 1980s, both nations have reaffirmed their intent to collaborate and strengthen ties, even in the absence of a formal defence pact.
In summary, the inauguration of the Indo-Sri Lanka Friendship Reading Section at SLMA marks a pivotal step in integrating military cooperation with academic development. The event has been positively received, fostering optimistic perspectives for enhanced bilateral relations and a closer defence partnership in the future.
