Sri Lanka News Updates with Discussions

Bangladesh Army chief will review the passing-out parade of the National Defence Academy next week, in a rare honour to Dhaka on the 40th anniversary of its liberation and symbolic of New Delhi s reach-out to its neighbour.

General Muhammed Abdul Mubeen has been invited to be the reviewing officer at the NDA, Khadakvasla. He will be only the third foreigner to take the salute after the late Chinese Premier Chou En Lai and the former chief of the (former) Royal Nepal Army, General Pyar Jung Thapa.

In a similar gesture, the Sri Lanka Army commander, Lt General Jagath Jayasuriya, will review the parade of cadets passing out of the Indian Military Academy who will be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.

The visits by the chiefs of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka over the next two weeks signal a sudden upswing in neighbourhood military-diplomatic exchanges.

The army chief, General V.K. Singh, returned from a five-day visit to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan last night. General Singh s visit to the Central Asian countries is part of an effort to prepare for the drawdown of US forces from Afghanistan in 2014.

The last time foreign (Soviet) forces left Afghanistan after occupying it, the Taliban took over and India s relations with Central Asian countries bordered on the tenuous. This time India is preparing in advance for the imponderables in Afghanistan. This includes reviving a military hospital and helipad at Farkhor in Tajikistan, on the northern border of Afghanistan.

Bangladesh s General Mubeen will review the NDA parade on November 29 in the course of a six-day visit. He is also slated to visit the Para Training School in Agra and the Eastern Command headquarters in Fort William, Calcutta. In between, in New Delhi, he will meet the service chiefs. Bangladesh and India are planning a series of joint military drills in 2012.

Sri Lanka s Lt General Jayasuriya was the force commander of the military in the last Eelam war in Vanni in the north-east of the island. Forces under him vanquished the LTTE and neutralised its leadership, including Prabhakaran.

Lt General Jayasuriya is scheduled to visit, apart from the IMA in Dehra Dun, Bodh Gaya, Delhi and Agra.

This week, the chief operations officer of the Bhutanese army, Major General Batoo Tshering, returned to Thimphu after a three-day tour that included a visit to the Central Command headquarters in Lucknow.

Later this month, the Indian Army is also expecting to a host a military team from Myanmar in Bangalore that will visit an army engineers centre and participate in sports and cultural events.

The Pakistan Navy frigate PNS Saif will call at the port of Colombo on a goodwill visit from November 26-29, the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka said in a statement.

PNS Saif is the third ship of SWORD class F22P Frigates, which has been built Hudong Zhonghua in China and commissioned on 15 Sep 2010. PNS Saif, being the front line ship of Pakistan Navy, is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, sensors and machinery, making it capable of undertaking all kinds of maritime operations at sea during war and peace.

As the two countries enjoy warm diplomatic and strong military ties, Pakistan Navy ships frequently pay port visits to Sri Lanka and these visits further strengthen the existing strong relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the High Commission said.

'Such interactions also demonstrate both navies resolve to contribute towards achieving a more secure and conducive maritime environment which is essential for the regional peace, prosperity and harmony,' the statement added.

The High Commission said that Pakistan Navy provides a number of training courses for Sri Lankan Navy personnel to promote bilateral relations and enhance the potential for sharing of military knowledge and expertise between the two navies while both countries share their experience to fight terrorist threat.

To enhance the interoperability, the PNS Saif is scheduled to conduct a Passage Exercise with the Sri Lankan Navy, upon conclusion of the port visit.

As a part of its visit to the other friendly regional countries, the frigate will visit Malaysia and Maldives after conclusion of its visit to Sri Lanka.

The High Commission statement further said that the Pakistan Navy regards cooperation with Sri Lankan Navy as of paramount importance since Sri Lanka is an important regional country.

The statement recalled that since Independence, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have consistently maintained close, cordial and mutually supportive relations especially in the field of defense. 'Both nations have assisted each other during testing times in their history,' it said.

'Pakistan and Sri Lanka have comprehensive and mutually beneficial training collaboration for Army, Navy and Air Force. Over a period of time, a strong bond of commitment and mutual understanding has been reached between both the friendly armed forces. In future too, both the brotherly countries are expected to work more closely in the field of defence to boost peace efforts in the region.'

'Pakistan and Sri Lanka being located in the South Asian region and being members of various regional and international bodies like UN, commonwealth, NAM and SAARC are mutually important for each other's. The relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is based on mutual trust and commonality of interest in maintaining regional peace, security and stability. Pakistan has always supported the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. Both countries have shared common perceptions on almost all regional and international issue and are working together on all these forums for shared values and interests.'

The Sri Lankan navy has arrested eight people including five Indian nationals along with two kilograms of heroin in an offshore operation in northern seas on Monday (November 28), the Navy reported.

A Fast Attack Craft (FAC) attached to the Northern Naval Command arrested the smugglers, 5 Indians and 3 Sri Lankans, and seized their two vessels and the drug stash in the seas west of Iranathive Island, the Navy statement said.

According to the Sri Lankan Navy, the FAC had detected a suspicious movement of a fiber glass dingy in the seas west of Iranathive Island sailing alongside an Indian trawler, which had illegally entered the Sri Lankan waters.

The FAC with the assistance of an Inshore Patrol Craft then has intercepted the smugglers. The sailors have recovered four parcels each containing approximately 500 grams of heroin.

They have arrested the 3 Sri Lankans in the dinghy and 5 Indian nationals onboard the trawler.

The suspects and their contraband have been handed over to Kankasanthurei Police for further investigations.

In an attempt to prevent 26/11-like attacks, the Indian Navy will induct 80 fast interceptor craft (FIC). The navy has signed a deal with a Sri Lankan shipyard company for the purpose. The FIC will enable the 1,000-strong Sagar Prahari Bal (SPB), created after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to enhance patrolling and interception operations.

'There has been an increase of about 70 per cent in naval ship deployment and a 100 per cent jump in aircraft deployments towards coastal security tasking after 26/11. With the induction of these additional FIC, efficiency of Sagar Prahari Bal would be enhanced,' said navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma.

'To further improve the capability of India's coastal security, a case for phase-2 of coastal security augmentation has been initiated. Under this initiative, additional assets, patrol vessels, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, special forces, manpower and forward operation basis have been proposed,'' said Admiral Verma.

According to Indian Navy, these fast interceptor boats have a maximum speed of 50 nautical miles per hour. These would be used by the navy to intercept suspicious boats along the coasts. They will also be used for preventing crimes such as poaching and smuggling, apart from counter-terror operations.

The navy chief expressed his concern on the issue of Chinese submarines with long-range missiles. But he added that the Indian Navy is looking at upgrading its fleet.

'Navy is looking at a fleet of 150 ships and 500 aircraft by 2025, which will include helicopters, maritime reconnaissance aircraft and fighters,' said Admiral Verma. Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh is being considered for raising an amphibious training facility, he said.

The admiral attributed the delays in the launch of indigenous aircraft carrier to shortage of critical equipment.

By the end of next year, 16 helicopters will be added to the fleet of aircraft of Heli Tours (Pvt) Limited, said Squadron Leader Rasanga de Zoysa, Officer in charge of the Charter Flights of Heli Tours (Pvt) Ltd. These helicopters brought for passenger transport will include fourteen MI17s with 20-seater capacity and two Bell412 helicopters. The demand is increasing and to be on par, we need to expand our service capabilities. These helicopters would be to transport passengers and these will come with required modifications for this purpose, said Squadron Leader de Zoysa.

The MA60s, bought this year, completing its test runs will join the fleet by beginning of next year, according to de Zoysa. There is a heavy demand for twenty-seater helicopters from many travel agencies as they bring tourists in groups. It is the twenty-seater that is ideal for, Zoysa added. At present Heli Tours is equipped with Bell206 (4 seater), Bell212 (8 seater) and MI17 (20 seater) helicopters along with AN 32 and Y12 fixed wing air planes.

The Y12 can carry 15 people while the giant AN32 carry 45 passengers at a time.

With the new addition of flights, the Heli Tours plans to expand wings to South Indian destinations and the Maldives. By the beginning of next year, Weerawila and Koggala will be included in the list of local destinations. At present Heli Tours flies to Jaffna, Batticalao, Ampara, Vavuniya and Kilinochchi.

It is planned to establish two new runways in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya and the survey is in progress.

The new runway in Kilinochchi is under construction while the Mannar and Mullaitivu runways are under repair and expects to complete work soon.

Helitours recently ventured into Off Shore aircraft operation, supporting oil exploration in Sri Lankan waters, sidelining foreign contenders. Heli tours operates two shuttle services per day to carry the crew of an oil exploring vessel from Colombo to the Gulf of Mannar.

Heli Tours is registered as an aircraft parts and equipment supplier to the Sri Lanka Air Force. We go through the normal tender procedure when bidding. We are in a better position to supply good quality items at a very reasonable rate, said the Foreign Purchasing officer Squadron Leader Samantha Fernando. If we can offer the best bid at the requirement of the Air Force we can easily save funds within the organisation, he said. Upto 2011, Heli Tours total earnings was Rs. 180 million.

While expanding local services, Heli Tours have began international ticketing. The new Heli Tours office is at Sir Chiththampalam A. Gardinar Mawatha next to the Sri Lanka Air Force headquarters.

Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina Sunday urged the members of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) to be attentive to ensure highest use of technology and strengthen their will power to address the future challenge, reports BSS.

Acquiring technological excellence, research and acquisition of modern equipment can build up a modern air force, she said adding 'We should be more attentive to training, research and efficient use of technologies to safeguard our airspace.'

She also asked the BAF to remain always ready imbued with patriotism to safeguard the country's independence and sovereignty.

The Prime Minister gave the directive while addressing the induction ceremony of surface-to-air missile system and Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre at Kurmitola Air Force Base in the city Sunday.

Hailing the BAF's remarkable progress in achieving technological capacity and making the force self-reliant, the Prime Minister said we need to work together to build up an contemporary air force incorporation with latest equipment.



The missile system of FM-90 category is a short-range air defence system (SRADS). This is an advanced all weather surface-to-air defence weapon which is capable of engaging targets flying at low or very low altitude.

The FM-90 weapon system is mainly used for the protection of key installments, such as, airfield and aerodrome facilities, command control communication centres, bridges etc and it can also provide air defence for fielded force.

The government of China extended cooperation in installing the surface-to-air missile system and setting up the Bangabandhu Aeronautical centre.

Addressing the induction ceremony, the Prime Minister said the government is working to build the Air Force as a modern, skilled and strong force in line with the Vision 2021.

Later, the Prime Minister addressed the officers of the Air Force saying that there is no alternative to having an effective Air Force to protect the independence and sovereignty of the motherland.

She said one squadron F-7 BGI fighter planes and some other helicopters are going to be included in the arsenal of the Air Force.

Besides, procurement of several transports aircraft is also under consideration of the government, she said.

About the newly set up aeronautical centre, the Prime Minister hoped that the centre would make prototype of light aircrafts by 2021. 'I also hope that you would one day make aircraft, helicopters and radars in the country,' she said.

Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, now in New Delhi to attend several military ceremonies at the invitation of his counterpart in the Indian Army, on Tuesday paid courtesy calls on Indian tri-service chiefs and deputies.

Four star General V.K Singh, Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army, warmly welcomed the Army Commander at his office and exchanged views on bilateral matters of military importance to both countries with special focus on intensified training programmes between the two armies.

Both Indian Chief of Army Staff and the Army Commander after cordial discussions exchanged mementoes and symbolized their long lasting understanding and cordial relations.

Afterwards, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya called on Air Chief Marshal N.A.K Browne, Chief of Air Staff, Indian Air Force, Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Naval Staff, and Lieutenant General S.K Singh, Vice Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army, Indian Army s second senior most officer at their separate offices in New Delhi.

The Indian Chief of Army Staff in honour of the visiting Sri Lankan Army Chief and his accompanying retinue hosted a banquet.

As the final leg of the day s itinerary, Army Commander paid a courtesy call on Sri Lanka s High Commissioner, Prasad Kariyawasam at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Delhi.

Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya on the sidelines of the main programme of the Sri Lankan delegation met several spouses of senior Army Officers in the Indian Army and exchanged pleasantries. Earlier, Indian Chief of Army Staff, General V.K Singh, showing his goodwill and regional cooperation visited Sri Lanka in September 2010 in response to a cordial invitation extended by the Commander of Army, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya.

General Singh was the first trained commando to take over as the Army Chief who has vast experience in counter-insurgency operations. General Singh is a recipient of the Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM) for his distinguished service and became the Chief of Army Staff on March 31, 2010. Air Chief Marshal N.A.K Browne, Chief of Air Staff, Indian Air Force, the 19 Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force took over the office on July 31, 2011.

Before he was appointed the Chief of Air Staff, he served as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Chief Operations Officer and Air Officer Commanding of the SU-30 Base and several other key appointments.

Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy took office on July 29, 2011 and served a number of distinguished appointments including Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans), Chief of Personnel, Vice Chief of Naval Staff and the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief.

As part of modernisation, the Indian Navy will have unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) which will be stationed on the Tamil Nadu coast, a senior Naval officer said on Wednesday. We are planning to have unmanned aerial vehicles by next year. They will be based at the air stations in TN, a senior Naval officer told Express on board INS Shivalik. Indian Navy has two naval air stations in the state - INS Rajali at Arakkonam and INS Parundu at Uchipuli. He also said that fishermen attacked by the Sri Lankan navy should file First Information Report in the police station so that the Indian Navy has statistics to take up the issue with Lanka during the meeting they have every six months.

It is also believed the newly appointed Lankan navy chief has issued strict instructions to the lankan naval personnel not to shoot at Indian fishermen, he added. He said that the Navy had joined hands with the Coastal Security Group of TN Police and the Indian Coast Guard in educating fishermen along the TN coast on the importance of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

We have seven detachments in the State and are educating the fishermen on the perils on the other end and what coastal security means. This has minimised intrusions. We are also involving fishermen in patrolling the seas. They are being provided remuneration by the Indian Navy, he said.

Over 1,000 Sri Lankan troops are preparing to leave for peace keeping missions in Lebanon and Haiti in January next year.

Military spokesman Nihal Hapuarachchi told the press that the mission to Lebanon would comprise Mechanized Infantry and support elements, including engineers and medical personnel. It would be the third SLA contingent sent to Lebanon, the official said.

Troops deployed in Lebanon are equipped with armoured fighting vehicles.

Responding to a query, the official said that the Lebanon contingent consists of 150 personnel, while the rest would leave for Haiti. Troops of the Vijayaba Infantry Regiment (VIR) would replace Gajaba Regiment troops currently deployed in the Caribbean island.

In line with UN policy peace keepers rotate every six months.

Smaller SL contingents are deployed in Ethiopia, Congo, Burundi, Western Sahara and Sudan.

Army Commander Lt. Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya recently visited troops deployed in Haiti and Lebanon and UN peacekeeping headquarters. During talks with UN officials, the Army Chief declared Sri Lanka's readiness to increase the number of troops deployed under UN command.