India donates $ 5 m worth of defence equipment to Sri Lanka Army

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 07:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government of India has donated defence and medical equipment valued at $ 5 million to the Sri Lanka Army, underscoring growing defence cooperation between the two countries.

The equipment was formally handed over at Army Headquarters in Akuregoda by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha to Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyyakontha. Sri Lanka Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo was also present.

Speaking at the ceremony, Jha described the donation as a reflection of the longstanding partnership between the armed forces of Sri Lanka and India, noting that cooperation has expanded beyond military training and humanitarian assistance to include capacity building, infrastructure development and defence equipment support.

He also recalled India’s assistance during Cyclone Ditwah through Operation Sagar Bandhu, under which Indian authorities worked with Sri Lankan counterparts on search and rescue operations, medical assistance and infrastructure restoration.

Thuyyakontha, on behalf of the Government and Ministry of Defence, expressed appreciation for India’s support, describing New Delhi as a longstanding partner in areas including disaster response, economic recovery, capacity development and defence cooperation.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka Army and the Indian High Commission attended the event.