Sri Lankan and Indian Armies in Ex ‘Mithra Shakti’
October 04, 2021A contingent of 120 Indian Army troops arrived at Mattala International Airport recently to participate in the 8th consecutive joint Exercise (Ex) ‘Mitra Shakti’ between Sri Lanka and India from October 03 to 17.
An all arms Indian contingent headed by Col. Prakash Kumar, Commanding Officer was welcomed by Brig. B. N Godellwatta, Deputy Director of the Ex together with Capt. Vikas Sood, Defence Attache in the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka at the airport, the Army said.
Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) troops of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) with an equal number join the Ex conducted at the Combat Training School in Ampara under the close supervision of Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva and the Ex Director, General Officer Commanding, 53 Division, Maj. Gen. Nishantha Manage, the SLA stated.
Col. Girish Godial, Col. John Daniel and Lt. Col. Zulage Meera of the Indian Army will function as Observers and evaluate the Ex during the final phase of the training.
The SLA further stated that the India-Sri Lanka bilateral joint Exercise has been designed to enhance understanding of transnational terrorism, inter-operability skills, conduct of joint tactical operations, sharing of each other’s best practices and experiences, etc.
The annual training programme which has largely contributed to strengthen bilateral military cooperation, understanding and bonds of neighborly relations between both services takes place alternately either in India or Sri Lanka every year.
Adhering to COVID-19 health guidelines, the Exercise would maintain the bio bubble during its conduct, the SLA confirmed.
