Latest news with #PassingOutParade
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)
India Gazette
7 days ago
- General
- India Gazette
Following family legacy, officer cadet Digvijay Dhayal joins Indian Army
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 14 (ANI): The Spring Term 2025 Passing Out Parade (POP) of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun marked a moment of pride for the Dhayal family, as Officer Cadet Digvijay Dhayal marched forward to join the Indian Army, following in the footsteps of his father and twin sister. Officer Cadet Digvijay Dhayal, whose twin sister and father are already serving in the Army, expressed pride and admiration as he joined the ranks of the Armed Forces. 'I like that she is my senior; we are twins... I will always be proud to salute her. Of course, she was here earlier than I was, so she can always be a guide. It's a very proud moment,' Digvijay told ANI. His twin sister, Divya Dhayal, currently serving in the Army, shared her joy on the occasion. She stated, 'I am happy!... We took the same path, studied at the same college, and have entered the same occupation. I feel proud and happy. He got what he wanted.' Their father, VS Dhayal, highlighted the family's association with the Armed Forces, saying that he and his elder brother were the first in the family to join the Indian Army; however, his brother sacrificed his life while serving on the line of duty. VS Dhayal asserted, 'I have always told my children that no other job can give you the respect and the satisfaction the Army can provide. In my family, my brother and I joined the Indian Army. In 1998, my elder brother sacrificed his life on the line of duty while fighting with the militants. I was also in Kashmir. Now my children have joined. I am very happy,' he said. Earlier today, the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the Spring Term 2025 was conducted at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Uttarakhand's Dehradun. Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, was the Reviewing Officer at the Passing Out Parade. Lt General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, presented medals to Officer Cadets. The coveted award of the Sword of Honour was presented to Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra. Gold Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit was presented to Academy Under Officer Ronit Ranjan Nayak. Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing Second in the Order of Merit was presented to Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra. Bronze Medal for the Officer Cadet standing Third in the Order of Merit was presented to Battalion Under Officer Anurag Verma. Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from the Technical Graduate Course was presented to Sergeant Akash Bhadouriya. Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from the Technical Entry Scheme (TES-45) was presented to Wing Cadet Quarter Master Kapil. Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from a Foreign Country was presented to Foreign Officer Cadet Nishan Balami (Nepal). Chief of Army Staff Banner was awarded to Keren Company for standing Overall First amongst 12 companies for the Spring Term 2025. 451 cadets participated in the passing out parade from India and abroad, will become part of their respective countries' army as officers. These include 419 cadets of the Indian Army and 32 foreign cadets. The Indian Military Academy was established on 1 October 1932. So far, more than 65 thousand cadets have passed out from this prestigious institute. These also include cadets from 34 friendly countries. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
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.
