Chief of Naval Staff of India meets President and Military Commanders

COLOMBO (News 1t) - The Chief of Naval Staff of India, Admiral R Hari Kumar who is currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (14).

The Indian High Commission in Colombo said that Admiral Hari Kumar and the President discussed on further defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and India, and to strengthen bilateral ties.

It added that Sri Lanka's role in steering the Colombo Security Conclave towards ensuring peace and security in the region was also acknowledged.

Meeting with Sri Lanka's Navy Commander:

Admiral R Hari Kumar met with Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne at the Navy Headquarters on Tuesday (13).

He arrived on the island on the night of 12th December 2022 on a six-day official visit aiming to bolster existing bilateral maritime cooperation between two navies. 

At the Bandaranaike International Airport he was received by the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Priyantha Perera.

On Tuesday (13) Admiral R Hari Kumar visited the Navy Headquarters in Colombo where he was received by Commander Western Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara. 

Thereupon, Admiral R Hari Kumar was accorded a formal and elegant Guard of Honour by the Sri Lanka Navy. Subsequently, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne warmly welcomed the visiting naval dignitary from India and introduce him to the Board of Management.

After exchange of pleasantries, the top military brass discussed several matters important to the navies of both countries, reminiscing the long-standing relationship between India and Sri Lanka. The cordial discussion drew to a close with an exchange of mementoes to mark the goodwill and camaraderie.

Admiral R Hari Kumar will grace the Commissioning Ceremony of Midshipmen at the Naval and Maritime Academy, as the Chief Guest.

Meeting with Sri Lanka's Army Commander:

The Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, Admiral R Hari Kumar PVSM AVSM VSM ADC, called on Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army on Tuesday (13)  at the Army Headquarters.

His visit, meant to promote existing bilateral relations and maritime co-operation further was welcomed at the Army Headquarters in a formal military ceremony where the visiting Chief of the Naval Staff was honoured by presenting a Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour. 

During his meeting with Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, the visiting Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy exchanged views on bilateral matters of concern to both the Sri Lanka Army and the Indian Navy.

Discussions also focused on maritime security in the region and related other issues. 

Meeting with Sri Lanka's Air Force Commander:

Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, Admiral R Hari Kumar called on the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana on Wednesday (14 December 2022) at Air Force Headquarters, Colombo.
 
The Navy Chief was received upon arrival by the Commanding Officer SLAF Station Colombo, Air Commodore PSN Fernando and was conferred a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the No. 43 Colour Wing of the SLAF.

The visiting Naval Chief discussed matters of mutual interest with the SLAF Commander. Admiral R Hari Kumar also met with the Chief of Staff of the SLAF and the Air Force Board of Management after which official plaques were exchanged to mark the occasion.

The Chief of Naval Staff of India will leave the island on 17th December.

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