Just hours before the conclusion of the visiting Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya’s six-day tour in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) at the invitation of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of the PRC, he had the rare chance of meeting with one more prominent military leader in charge of the PLA’s Shanghai Garrison Area Headquarters.     
    
Major General, Zhu Zhengping, Commander, Shanghai Area Headquarters on Monday (11) evening after a warm welcome to his Headquarters, initiated a round of talks with the visiting Sri Lankan Army Chief and his accompanying retinue on matters of bilateral and mutual interest. He elaborated on the composition of the Area Headquarters which consists of two Brigades, one Reserve Regiment, one Anti-Aircraft Regiment and 17 Military Defence Units which ensure the security of the whole district.   

Major General, Zhu Zhengping briefed the delegation on the Area Headquarters’ function, task and achievements in training and building regularity and in fulfilling its assigned missions. The visitors also received a briefing on Shanghai City where the Shanghai Garrison, as the highest-level military unit of the City, remains responsible for the district.  

Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya in response, considered his visit a deep sentiment of the mutual understanding, cooperation and comradeship and expressed his wish to continue relations further while strengthening the friendship between the two Armies. Lieutenant General Jayasuriya highly appreciated the PLA’s generosity and hospitality, shown towards the whole of his itinerary during his stay in the PRC.

Lieutenant General Jayasuriya told his host, Major General, Zhengping that his visit would help boost the friendship between the two Armies and further promote mutual relations to a new height. Exchange of mementos and a dinner hosted later in the evening  culminated the day’s programme.

Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army during his stay in the PRC had a series of important and productive discussions with top-level defence and military authorities at the   PLA General Headquarters.

The visiting Commander had the rare distinction of meeting the PRC’s Minister of National Defence, General Lisng Guanglie, Deputy Chief of General Staff at PLA General Headquarters, General Ma Xiaotian and delivering a speech to the academic and student forum at the PLA’s most reputed National Defence University as a bright alumnus of the institute.    
 
The Sri Lankan delegation is expected to return home early Tuesday (12) morning.