SL-India to bolster defence cooperation

Defence Secretaries of both countries to hold further talks

Prez underscores importance of close cooperation between both countries to ensure regional security

By Sandun A. Jayasekera

Sri Lanka and India yesterday agreed to increase cooperation in security and defence spheres in several areas including regional security, curbing drug smuggling and human trafficking and training of members attached to the security forces, and the Defence Secretaries of the two countries will hold further talks in the future on the follow up of decisions taken in this regard. 

These issues were discussed when Indian Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra called on President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday at the latter’s official residence in Colombo. 
President Sirisena thanked the Indian Government for the cooperation extended to Sri Lanka in security issues and for the training provided to its security forces personnel. He also requested to increase the number of personnel trained by India. 

The Indian Defence Secretary agreed to look into the possibility of enhancing training facilities. President Sirisena stressed the importance of close cooperation between the two countries to ensure regional security. They also exchanged views on issues pertaining to bilateral defence cooperation and regional security. 

Mr. Mitra and Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando will continue discussions on these issues to further strengthen security cooperation between the two countries. 

Secretary to the President, Udaya Seneviratne and Indian High Commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu were also present during this discussion.