Commander Extends Best Wishes to Outgoing Indian Chief of Army Staff

“Your generosity and personal affiliation towards the Sri Lanka Army were well-explained through your personal intervention in granting military training to the Sri Lanka Army, donating infrastructure as well as mentoring in doctrinal development, military expertise exchange programmes, defence dialogues and combined military training between two Armies and I do not forget your candid intervention in supporting Sri Lanka with medical aid during COVID 19 pandemic through the personal bond we share as friends beyond traditional interests,” so stated General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army in a letter of appreciation, sent to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, General Manoj Mukund Narvane, PVSM AVSM SM VSM ADC on the verge of his relinquishment of office as the COAS.

The 62 year old General Manoj Mukund Narvane, PVSM AVSM SM VSM ADC, the 28th COAS of the Indian Army after an illustrious and noteworthy career of more than 42 years of service relinquished office on Saturday (30) and General Narvane as a true friend of Sri Lankan Armed Forces multiplied tailor-made training courses and opportunities during his office and was instrumental in donating infrastructure accessories during his visit to Sri Lanka in October last year.

The appreciative letter of the Sri Lanka Army Chief General Shavendra Silva praises him as an iconic military leader who has fostered regional peace, military cooperation and interlocking security architecture in the region. Here follow extracts of the letter of greetings sent to him:

“Let me avail myself of this opportunity to extend my heartiest congratulation on the very special day of your life, the beginning of the well-deserved life after completion of tenure as the COAS. Since your assuming as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army on 31st December 2019, you have led the Indian Army towards physical, conceptual and moral advancement with your wisdom as a seasoned senior military officer and your commitment as a leader moulded from knowledge, integrity, and patriotism. With your leadership, the Indian Army has affirmed its capability, credibility and decisiveness as one of the best Armies in the world. I have no reservation in placing you amongst the iconic military leaders in the world for the service you have rendered to foster regional peace, military cooperation and interlocking security architecture in the region.”

“During your tenure in the seat as the Chief of the Army Staff”, the letter added saying that “Armies of India and Sri Lanka were able to nurture excellent defence collaboration that reaps many mutual benefits. Your generosity and personal affiliation towards Sri Lanka Army were well-explained through your personal intervention in granting military training to Sri Lanka Army, donating infrastructure for Sri Lanka Army, as well as mentoring in doctrinal development, military expertise exchange programmes, defence dialogues and combined military training between two Armies. I do not forget your candid intervention in supporting Sri Lanka with medical aid during COVID 19 pandemic through the personal bond we share as friends beyond traditional interests. Thank you very much for what you have done for me, Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka at large.”

“Let me once again wish you a happy life with a sincere hope that you will continue to serve the Indian nation with your wisdom, ability and will as a true son of mother India,” the letter concluded.

Some past memories through lenses are as follows;