Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, is visiting India from June 11 to 14, 2025, to strengthen military cooperation.
In a significant move to bolster bilateral military cooperation, Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, has arrived in India for a four-day official visit from June 11 to 14, 2025. The visit marks a deepening of the longstanding defence ties between India and Sri Lanka, with a focus on training, capability enhancement, and regional security cooperation.
On the first day of his visit, the Sri Lankan Army Chief paid homage at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, honouring the sacrifices of Indian soldiers. The solemn wreath-laying ceremony was followed by a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns, attended by senior Indian Army officials, underscoring the mutual respect and enduring friendship between the two nations.
Lieutenant General Rodrigo then held detailed discussions with Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, covering a broad spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation and regional security matters. He was also briefed on Operation Sindoor and India’s strategic defence posture by top Indian Army brass.
In addition, the visiting General held high-level meetings with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff; Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of Air Staff; and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. These interactions aimed at expanding collaboration across the tri-services and fostering a unified approach to regional peace and security.
Adding a symbolic touch to the visit, Lieutenant General Rodrigo planted a tree at the Manekshaw Centre — a gesture marking the historic bond between the Indian and Sri Lankan Armies.
On June 12, he will travel to Jaipur to meet Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command.
A particularly emotional highlight of the visit will be on June 14, when Lieutenant General Rodrigo will serve as the Reviewing Officer at the Indian Military Academy’s Passing Out Parade in Dehradun — a return to his alma mater, where he was commissioned in December 1990 with the 87th Course. This moment comes full circle, as he will witness the commissioning of a new generation of officers. Adding to the emotional resonance, Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake of the Sri Lanka Army will also attend to witness his son, Officer Cadet RMNL Rathnayake, being commissioned.
