Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday that the island nation will never allow its territory to be used for activities inimical to India’s security interests.The strategic commitment came during a key bilateral meeting in Colombo amidst ongoing Indian maritime security concerns regarding foreign infrastructure footprints in the region.Singh’s visit, marking a crucial step in strengthening Indian Ocean maritime security, saw both nations sign three major Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) designed to upgrade defence architecture and deepen institutional linkages.Key Defence Agreements & Infrastructure Projects.Under the newly signed MoUs, India will fund and execute the modernization of six L70 air-defence guns previously supplied to the Sri Lanka Air Force. The upgradation aims to significantly fortify the protection of Sri Lanka’s critical national assets.Military & Academic Collaboration: Agreements were inked to foster knowledge-sharing between the National Defence Colleges (NDCs) of both nations and formalize the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Youth Exchange Programme.Infrastructure Support: Demonstrating immediate ground-level assistance, the two leaders virtually inaugurated three Bailey bridges constructed by the Indian Armed Forces in Sri Lanka to enhance local connectivity.Humanitarian Aid Acknowledgment: President Dissanayake expressed deep gratitude for India’s relief operations under Operation Sagar Bandhu following Cyclone Ditwah, along with New Delhi’s comprehensive post-disaster rehabilitation package.Highlighting the long-standing bond, Rajnath Singh reiterated that India considers its support to Sri Lanka a natural responsibility as a closest neighbour and maritime partner, emphasizing a shared resolve to safeguard peace and prosperity across the region.
”No Anti-India Activities On Our Soil”: Sri Lankan President Dissanayake Assures Rajnath Singh, Signs 3 Defence MoUs
