22 February 2019 11:26 am
By Darshana Sanjeewa
Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake had requested the Centre for Research and Development (CRD) to begin the mass production of modern weaponry including Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRLs) for the use of Army training and operations as well as to save a large amount of foreign exchange to the country.
He had made this request on Wednesday when he visited the CRD at Pitipana in Homagama on the invitation of CRD Director-General Brigadier Tiran De Silva (Retd).
The Army Commander had inspected the technical division and electronic, nuclear, biological and chemical wings of the CRD that produce multiple military requirements.
He had monitored CRD-invented missiles and MBRLs, simulation platforms used for training, ballistic rubber samples, simulators for jungle lane firing needs, rocket launchers, mortars, parachutes, armoured tanks and multiple accessories necessary for tri-services.
Furthermore, he had discussed other innovative moves by the institute and shared his thoughts with research officers on possibilities of exporting certain products.
The CRD-produced 10-barreled MBRL that stole the limelight at the recent Independence Day military parade was the first-ever locally-produced multi-barrel rocket launcher in keeping with international standards.
Last month, the CRD-manufactured ballistic rubber sample for firing purposes was introduced to the Army Commander.