COLOMBO : General Manoj Mukund Naravane, the Chief of Army Staff of India arrived at Colombo on Tuesday October 12, on a four-day official visit at the invitation of General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of Sri Lanka Army.
On arrival, the Indian Army Chief was received by General Silva and Mrs Sujeewa Nelson, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit (ASVU).
Gen Naravane. Mrs Veena Naravane, President, Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo.
During his official visit to Sri Lanka, Gen Naravane is scheduled to call on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary and Service Commanders. He would also witness Exercise Mitra Shakti, one of the largest bilateral military exercises in the region. He would also participate in Gajaba Day celebrations as the Chief Guest. The General is also scheduled to deliver a talk at DSCSC, Batalanda and interact with students and faculty.
The visit symbolises strong relations and close cooperation shared between the two countries. During the visit areas of mutual interest and avenues for enhancing existing bilateral defence cooperation will be discussed, with Sri Lanka being ‘Priority One’ partner of India. The interaction will be conducted whilst strictly adhering to COVID-19 guidelines.
In a distinguished military career spanning almost four decades, Gen Naravane has the distinction of tenating key command and staff appointments in Peace and Field, both in the North-East and Jammu and Kashmir and has been part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka. He brings with him an enormous amount of experience in serving in the most challenging areas. He has commanded a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, raised an Infantry Brigade, was Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) and has commanded a prestigious Strike Corps. His staff assignments include tenures as a Brigade Major of an Infantry Brigade, Defence Attache at Yangon, Myanmar, an Instructional appointment in the Army War College as Directing Staff in the Higher Command Wing, besides two tenures at the Integrated Headquarters of MoD (Army), New Delhi.
He had the privilege of commanding the Republic Day Parade in 2017 in his capacity as GOC Delhi Area. After successfully commanding the Army Training Command, Shimla and the Eastern Command in Kolkata, he held the appointment of Vice Chief of the Army Staff before assuming the appointment of the Chief of the Army Staff on 31 Dec 2019.
