Commander of Sri Lanka Army calls on Gen Dwivedi

New Delhi, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lt Gen BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, met Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi here and engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral defence cooperation and strengthening military-to-military ties, officials said on Saturday.
The Indian Army shared the update, along with some photos of their meeting, in a post on X.
"India & Sri Lanka, Forging Stronger Bonds Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, called on #GeneralUpendraDwivedi #COAS at the Army House. They engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral #DefenceCooperation, strengthening military-to-military ties and reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and global peace," it posted.
Lt Gen Rodrigo is on an official visit to India from June 11-14.
It underscores the continued efforts of both nations to "further strengthen and deepen" their longstanding defence partnership, the defence ministry said on June 11.
On Saturday, the general officer graced the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy , Dehradun, as the Reviewing Officer.
This visit marked a return to his alma mater, where he was commissioned in December 1990, as part of the 87th Course of the IMA.
In another post, the Indian Army said, "Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, attended the Pipping Ceremony of newly Commissioned Officers held after the Passing Out Parade, #POP. He also pipped the two # GentlemanCadets of #SriLanka into Commissioned Officers."
Lt Gen Rodrigo, while congratulating the newly commissioned officers and their proud parents, exhorted them to uphold the highest traditions and ethos of their respective armies and strive to be "exemplary leaders" in the future.
In a separate post, the Indian Army said, "Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake of Sri Lanka Army pipped his son, Foreign Officer Cadet RMNL Rathnayake, to be a Commissioned Officer in the Sri Lanka Army."
"This pipping ceremony brings the total number of Sri Lankan Army Officers commissioned from #IMA to 296, highlighting India's long-standing bonds with the friendly foreign countries and the Indian Army's commitment to defence cooperation," it added.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Hindu

2 hours ago

• The Hindu

Thousands in China mark International Day of Yoga with mass participation

Thousands across China rolled out yoga mats on Saturday (June 21, 2025) to participate in events marking the International Day of Yoga, reflecting the rising popularity of the ancient Indian wellness tradition. In Beijing, Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat attended the celebration held at the old Indian Embassy complex, alongside several diplomats. The two-hour event, which included a yoga competition, drew hundreds of Chinese yoga practitioners. Owing to overwhelming interest, the Indian Embassy was compelled to close registrations after more than 1,500 people signed up. International Yoga Day highlights on June 21, 2025 Participants, guided by a growing community of Indian yoga instructors, took part in various exercises, showcasing the deepening cultural engagement despite recent tensions in bilateral ties. In Shanghai, Siddharth Chatterjee, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China and a long-time yoga practitioner, was the Chief Guest at the celebrations organised by the Indian Consulate. According to a press release issued by the consulate, Mr. Chatterjee, a former Indian Army officer, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts in globalising yoga, noting its role in fostering 'a more connected world.' 'As a yoga practitioner, I deeply value its transformative power to foster resilience and peace. This event reflects the shared commitment of India and the United Nations to promote health and harmony, strengthening bonds between nations,' Mr. Chatterjee said. The Shanghai event was the culmination of a broader series of celebrations held across Eastern China—including in Hangzhou, Wuxi, and Suzhou—organised in partnership with Indian diaspora organisations, multinational corporations, and Buddhist monasteries. 'This flagship celebration is the culmination of a long series of events... a testament to the wide cross-sectional appeal of yoga and Indian civilisation,' said Consul General of India in Shanghai Pratik Mathur. He also underscored the relevance of yoga in promoting harmony, particularly in the context of the 75th year of diplomatic relations between India and China. India and China have begun to cautiously rebuild diplomatic engagement following last year's meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. Despite tensions over the ongoing border standoff in Eastern Ladakh, cultural outreach through yoga and Indian heritage continues to resonate with the Chinese public. Yoga was officially classified by China as a form of physical fitness sport after the United Nations, in 2014, adopted Prime Minister Modi's proposal to declare June 21 as International Day of Yoga. Various public and private organisations across several Chinese cities also hosted yoga-themed events, underscoring the wide popularity and acceptance of the Indian practice.

Hans India

7 hours ago

• Hans India

Vijay Shah advocates weekly yoga sessions in MP's Khandwa to restore social harmony

Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh): Amid ongoing controversy over his recent remarks on a senior Army officer, Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah sought to recast his public image on International Yoga Day by championing yoga as a unifying force for society. Speaking at a district-level event in Khandwa, Shah urged the city's mayor to organize 'weekly yoga sessions in every ward', emphasising that such gatherings could foster 'social harmony and goodwill' in an increasingly fragmented urban landscape. 'Yoga transcends caste, religion, and society. It uplifts the body, mind, and intellect,' Shah said, drawing a symbolic parallel between Swami Vivekananda and Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- both 'Narendras,' as he put it -- who have, in his words, 'shown the world the path of spiritual and cultural leadership.' The remarks come at a time when Shah is facing public and judicial scrutiny for his controversial comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an Indian Army officer. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had directed police to file an FIR (first information report) against him, and the Supreme Court has rebuked him for what it called 'unacceptable and insensitive' language. Later, a special investigation team was constituted to investigate the matter following orders from the Supreme Court. Yet on Saturday, Shah struck a markedly different tone. Addressing over 600 students from 20 schools gathered at a private school for the 11th International Yoga Day, he spoke of yoga as a tool to reconnect people in the digital age. 'We rarely visit each other's homes anymore. These yoga sessions will give us a reason to gather, to check in on one another, and to rebuild the bonds of community,' he said. The event, organised by the district administration, was attended by public representatives, officials, and educators. It echoed the national theme of 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' reinforcing India's vision of yoga as a bridge between personal well-being and collective consciousness.

India Gazette

9 hours ago

• India Gazette

J-K: LoP Sunil Sharma says Yoga at Lal Chowk sends message of unity

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 21 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Saturday said the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations at Srinagar's iconic Lal Chowk sent a powerful message of unity and peace from a location once associated with tension and conflict. 'It gives me immense relief that at the Lal Chowk, where we have always seen tensions, today under the tricolour, Yoga, which is a part of our culture, is being performed... We have sent a message that the people of J&K are united,' Sharma told ANI at the event. Earlier in the day, Indian Army personnel from the Krishna Ghati Brigade's Balnoi Battalion also marked the occasion with a yoga session in Poonch, which saw enthusiastic participation from locals of nearby border villages including Balnoi, Dad Sagra, and Mankot. Mohamed Ashraf Chaudhary, a resident, told ANI, 'People from Banloi, Dad Sagra, Mankot came with great enthusiasm. This was the biggest event after Operation Sindoor. I thank the Army for organising it and for always supporting us.' Chaudhary added that the Army not only defends the borders but also works hand-in-hand with residents to raise awareness and build stronger ties. Moin Aftab Khan, a social activist from Mankot Panchayat, expressed pride in participating. 'Yoga training was held inside the Army base. Earlier, we only saw such events in Delhi or Punjab on TV. Watching and participating here made us proud,' he said, urging villagers, especially the elderly, to embrace yoga and spread its message. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations in Udhampur of Jammu and Kashmir. Singh met the army personnel here in Udhampur, praised their efforts in Operation Sindoor. 'Your bravery is widely admired across the nation. I salute the valour and courage of the Indian Army,' Rajnath Singh said while addressing. He further added, 'In today's world, where stress, anxiety, and unrest are widespread, yoga has emerged as a powerful solution. Yoga is not merely about sitting quietly with eyes closed--it's about mindfulness and inner control. The theme of this year's Yoga Day celebrations is 'Yoga for one Earth, one health,' aligning it with sustainability and global well-being. Speaking about the theme of this year's Yoga Day celebrations, the Defence Minister said, 'Every year, we celebrate Yoga Day with a unique theme. This year's theme, 'One Earth, One Health', reflects India's belief in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam--that the whole world is one family.' The Union Minister arrived in Udhampur on the evening of 20th June and took part in cultural celebrations and Bada khana with army personnel. (ANI)