COLOMBO : The Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshall Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria called on Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees Wednesday,March 3 evening.
The Air Chief Marshall attended the 70th Anniversary Celebrations of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), expressed continued support to Sri Lanka in the defense sector, the PM’s Office said.
Sri Lanka and India have had a long-standing defense and security cooperation that has spanned many areas including counter-terrorism, maritime security and drug trafficking. India’s Air Force has also supported Sri Lanka with training officers at various levels.
Noting that there are areas in which the two defense sectors of both countries could further expand the cooperation, the visiting Air Chief Marshall told Prime Minister Rajapaksa that India’s Air Force stands ready to support Sri Lanka, the statement said.
The events related to the Sri Lanka Air Force 70th Anniversary and the presentation of President’s Colours to No. 5 Fighter Squadron and No. 6 Helicopter Squadron of the Sri Lanka Air Force commenced from 02 Mar 2021. The Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria PVSM, AVSM, VM, Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force arrived in Sri Lanka on 03 Mar 2021 participated in the events.
During his visit, he witnessed the SLAF 70th Anniversary Air Show at the Galle Face which was attended by Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka. As a gesture of solidarity, years of close interaction and camaraderie between the two countries, Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy participated in the events with an Aerobatic Display teams.
The visit demonstrates the strong relations and close cooperation shared between the two countries. During the visit areas of common security concern and mutual interaction were discussed. The interaction will be conducted whilst adhering to strict Covid Guidelines. The visit of the Chief of the Air Staff is indicative of the growing camaraderie and friendship between the two nations, with Sri Lanka being accorded the status of ‘Priority One’ partner by India.
