New Delhi, A joint training program between The Indian Army and The Sri Lankan “Mitra Shakti” which is to last for 14 days commenced on Wednesday with an impressive opening ceremony at Diyatalawa in Badulla district of Sri Lanka.
During the opening ceremony a joint ceremonial parade of the two contingents that was commanded by the Company Commander of the Indian Army contingent and was reviewed by Brig HPNK Jayapathirana of Sri Lankan Army, a defence PRO said.
The training program that is being conducted began on March 26 and will end on April 8 and consists of an Indian Army contingent that comprises of a company group from 1st Battalion The BIHAR Regiment (BATALIK) and a similar strength from the 1st Gemunu Watch Battalion of the Sri Lankan Army.
The training program is being primary conducted with the focus of training and equipping the contingents to undertake joint counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in urban/rural environment and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations.
This training program provides an ideal platform for both contingents to share their operational experience and expertise while also being instrumental in broadening the capacity to operate reciprocally and bring cooperation between the armies of India and Sri Lanka.
As the training is ending a validation phase will be held that will be witnessed by senior military observers and dignitaries of Sri Lankan Army. Exercise Mitra Shakti, which was started in the year 2013, is in continuation of a series of joint exercises that is conducted annually as part of military diplomacy and interaction between the armies of India & Sri Lanka.
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