Latest news with #LasanthaRodrigo
India Gazette
6 days ago
- General
- India Gazette
Sri Lankan Army commander calls on General Dwivedi for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation
New Delhi [India], June 15 (ANI): Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, called on Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and discussed enhancing bilateral Defence Cooperation, strengthening military-to-military ties and reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and global peace. Talking about the meeting in a post on X, the army said on Saturday, 'India and Sri Lanka, Forging Stronger Bonds Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, called on General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS at the Army House. They engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral Defence Cooperation, strengthening military-to-military ties and reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and global peace.' Earlier, in a show of India-Sri Lanka military cooperation, Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake of the Sri Lanka Army 'pipped' his son, Foreign Officer Cadet RMNL Rathnayake at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), marking his first day as a commissioned Sri Lankan Army officer. The ceremony brought the total number of Sri Lankan Army Officers commissioned from IMA to 296, according to the 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 Indian Army's commitment in defence cooperation,' the Army said in another post on X. The Sri Lankan Army Chief also congratulated the graduating officer cadets on successfully completing their training and praised both cadets and instructors for the parade's discipline, coordination, and presentation. According to a statement, this visit is a reflection of the traditional, strong and historical military relations between the armies of India and Sri Lanka and will further strengthen mutual cooperation. On this occasion, a total of 451 officer cadets of the 156th Regular Course, 45th Technical Entry Scheme (TES) and 139th Technical Graduate Course, 32 foreign cadets from nine friendly nations including Special Commissioned Officers (SCO-54) completed their training and bid a proud farewell to the academy. (ANI)
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Down memory lane: Lankan Army chief recounts days at alma mater
NEW DELHI: It was an emotional homecoming for Lieutenant (Lt) General (Gen) BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo when he reviewed the passing out parade at the hallowed portals of the Indian Military Academy. Now, the Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, he returned as the Reviewing Officer for the passing out parade (PoP), witnessing the commissioning of a new generation of officers, including foreign cadets from Sri Lanka. It was in December 1990 that General Rodrigo was commissioned as part of the 87th IMA Course and rose to command one of the most battle hardened armies in the sub-continent. While addressing the passing out course the Reviewing Officer said, 'I am deeply honoured and moved to the point of tears to stand before you as the first IMA alumnus to return as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and review this parade.' 'Looking at your faces, I see my younger self. This place doesn't just train officers; it forges bonds that last a lifetime. He thanked General Upendra Dwivedi and the Indian Army for the kind invitation. The Indian Army in a statement said that General Rodrigo reflected on how his journey, like that of the officer cadets present, had begun with a simple haircut in the barber chair of the Indian Military Academy. He reminded the officer cadets that today, they were not just wearing a rank but they were embracing a way of life. Quoting the IMA Credo, the General Officer highlighted the three unshakable responsibilities that every officer must uphold. First, to the Nation - second, to their soldiers and third, to the families of our brave hearts, the Army added. The General Officer reminded the officer cadets that they now belong to an unbroken chain of patriots and warriors, urging them to wear the uniform not just with pride, but with purpose. The Chief of Sri Lanka Army said the Academy has not only shaped soldiers but future guardians of the nation. As their real journey begins, he urges them to lead with wisdom, fight for what's right, and carry the hopes of a billion with pride. Gen Rodrigo was on four-day official visit to India, from June 11 to 14, reinforcing the longstanding and robust military ties between the two armies. While for Gen Rodrigo it was the last day of his visit to India, the IMA PoP on Saturday had another symbolic story with two Sri Lankan officer cadets, including RMNL Rathnayake, son of Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake, passing out as commissioned officers.
The Print
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Commander of Sri Lanka Army calls on Gen Dwivedi
'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. The Indian Army shared the update, along with some photos of their meeting, in a post on X. New Delhi, Jun 14 (PTI) 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. 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 (IMA), 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. PTI KND RHL This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
India Gazette
7 days ago
- General
- India Gazette
With review of passing out parade at IMA Dehradun, Commander of Sri Lanka Army reconnects with alma mater
New Delhi [India], June 14 (ANI): Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, concluded a meaningful four-day official visit to India from June 11 to 14, reinforcing the longstanding and robust military ties between the two Armies. According to an official release from the Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant General Rodrigo revisited the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, where he was commissioned in December 1990 as part of the 87th Course. Now the Commander of his nation's Army, he returned as the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade, witnessing the commissioning of a new generation of officers, including foreign cadets from Sri Lanka. The event was deeply symbolic, with two Sri Lankan officer cadets, including RMNL Rathnayake, son of Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake, passing out as commissioned officers. Their commissioning brings the total number of Sri Lankan Army officers commissioned from IMA to 296, highlighting India's continued role in shaping the leadership of friendly foreign forces. During his address to the cadets, the General officer expressed deep honour in reviewing the Passing Out Parade at IMA, calling it a profoundly emotional homecoming. Reflecting on his own journey, he reminded the cadets that commissioning into the armed forces is not just about earning a rank, but embracing a lifelong way of service, responsibility, and leadership. Emphasising that respect is earned through daily conduct, he invoked the IMA Credo - duty to Nation, Soldiers, and Families of bravehearts - and highlighted the enduring values of discipline, integrity, loyalty, and honour. The General Officer urged the cadets to wear the uniform with pride and purpose, recognising them as part of an unbroken chain of patriots. He lauded award winners and acknowledged foreign cadets as ambassadors of IMA's ethos, reinforcing that its values transcend borders. He also called upon the young officers to lead with wisdom, uphold justice, and contribute fearlessly to the legacy of IMA, invoking Field Marshal Manekshaw's enduring words: 'Be truthful, be honest, be fearless.' During his visit, Lieutenant General Rodrigo held detailed discussions with senior leadership of the Indian Army, including Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani and GOC-in-C, South Western Command, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, focusing on enhancing professional military cooperation, joint training, and regional security frameworks, the release stated. India and Sri Lanka conducted bilateral exercise 'Mitra Shakti', the flagship Army-level counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism training initiative between the two nations. The 10th edition of the exercise was held in Sri Lanka in August 2024, and it continues to serve as a cornerstone for operational synergy and trust-building between the Armies. As per the release, at any given time, approximately 700 Sri Lankan Army personnel are undergoing training at various Indian Army establishments, making Sri Lanka Army the largest foreign participant in Indian military training programmes. These include prestigious institutions such as the Defence Services Staff College, Infantry School, Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Army Air Defence College, School of Artillery, Armoured Corps Centre and School, Mechanised Infantry Centre and School; and the Indian Military Academy itself. This training collaboration not only builds professional competence but also deepens interpersonal and institutional bonds between the two Armies. Lieutenant General Rodrigo's visit continues a tradition of regular Army-to-Army engagements between the two nations. Former Indian Army Chiefs have visited Sri Lanka for key bilateral events, including past editions of Exercise Mitra Shakti and high-level defence dialogues. Likewise, successive Sri Lankan Army Commanders have made official visits to India, cementing defence diplomacy through structured cooperation and shared training ethos. (ANI)
India Gazette
7 days ago
- General
- India Gazette
Sri Lankan Army Chief reviews IMA's 156th Passing Out Parade in Dehradun
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 14 (ANI): The Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun hosted its 156th Passing Out Parade on Saturday, which was reviewed by Sri Lankan Army Chief Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, RSP, CTF-NDU, PSC, IG. He congratulated the graduating officer cadets on successfully completing their training and praised both cadets and instructors for the parade's discipline, coordination, and presentation. According to a release, this visit is a reflection of the traditional, strong and historical military relations between the armies of India and Sri Lanka and will further strengthen mutual cooperation. On this occasion, a total of 451 officer cadets of the 156th Regular Course, 45th Technical Entry Scheme (TES) and 139th Technical Graduate Course, 32 foreign cadets from nine friendly nations including Special Commissioned Officers (SCO-54) completed their training and bid a proud farewell to the academy. This day was recorded as another golden chapter in the history of IMA. During the parade, the officer cadets demonstrated their commitment, pride and confidence by marching in disciplined and passionate steps to inspiring military tunes like 'Saare Jahan Se Accha' and 'Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja'. This historic moment was witnessed by their families, dignitaries and spectators from India and abroad through the media. Addressing the parade, Reviewing Officer Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo became emotional and said that, as an alumnus of IMA, it was a matter of pride and honour for him to review this historic parade. He recalled how his military journey began from this academy with a simple haircut. He said that the uniform is not just a symbol of a post, but a complete lifestyle. A true officer earns the trust of his subordinates with his character, conduct and decisions - this respect is not earned only by rank, it is earned by everyday deeds. Referring to the motto of IMA, Gen Rodrigo emphasised the three fundamental responsibilities - to the nation, to our soldiers and to the families of our brave soldiers. He described the four fundamental values of a soldier - discipline, honesty, integrity and honour - as the keys to success. According to him, discipline is self-restraint, honesty is what remains even when no one is watching, loyalty transcends the bounds of rank, and honour is the sacred trust that comes with the uniform. He reminded the cadets that they are now part of a proud line of patriots and they must wear this uniform with pride, with a sense of purpose. He especially congratulated the award winners and encouraged other cadets to keep striving. He described the foreign cadets as global ambassadors of the values of IMA. In his address, the Sri Lanka Army Chief said that IMA not only trains soldiers but also creates future defenders of the nation. He called upon the cadets to lead with wisdom, fight for truth and justice and proudly carry forward the hopes of the nation. In his concluding remarks, he exhorted the cadets to add a new chapter to the great legacy of IMA and congratulated them for the excellent parade. He also said that the cadets have now become part of a lifelong military brotherhood. He ended his address with the inspiring words of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw - 'Be true, be honest, be fearless.' The Sword of Honour was awarded by the Reviewing Officer to - Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra, Gold Medal (First Position in Merit List) - Academy Under Officer Ronit Ranjan Nayak, Silver Medal (Second Position in Merit List) - Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra, Bronze Medal (Third Position in Merit List) - Battalion Under Officer Anurag Verma. First Position in Technical Graduate Course - Sergeant Akash Bhadoria (Silver Medal), First Position in TES-45 - Wing Cadet Quarter Master Kapil (Silver Medal), First Position in Foreign Cadet - Foreign Officer Cadet Nishan Balami (Nepal), Chief of Army Staff Banner - Keran Company (for highest performance among 12 companies in Spring Term 2025) were awarded to them. The Reviewing Officer exhorted all the cadets that 'You are just one step away from the historic and proud moment of your commissioning.' (ANI)
