‘Mitra Shakthi’ Training Exercise in Full Swing

Trainees in the 4th joint military exercise between Sri Lanka Army and Indian Army, ‘Mitra Shakthi,’ now in full swing in the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) Headquarters premises at Ambepussa listened to a series of lectures on Counter Terrorist Operations during the past two days (Oct 25 - 26).

‘Mitra Shakthi’, designed to enhance understanding of transnational terrorism, inter-operability skills, conduct of joint tactical operations, sharing of each other’s experiences, etc, began at Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) Regimental Headquarters premises on Monday (24) with the participation of 45 Indian Army personnel and 45 Sri Lankan infantry troops.

On Tuesday (25) Brigadier Vijitha Ravipriya, Director Training of the Army as a special guest went to the SLSR Headquarters and observed proceedings while exchanging views with the trainees of both armed forces. The Exercise is closely coordinated by Major General Chagie Gallage, Director General Infantry of the Army.

During the next two days, the trainees will receive extensive knowledge on ‘Detection and Disposal of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)’, ‘Chemical Weapons’, ‘VIP Protection’, ‘Battle Obstacles’, ‘Biological Hazard Detection, Monitoring and Reconnaissance’, etc.

On close supervision of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva, Brigadier A.P.I Fernando works as the Exercise Director while Colonel G.M.C.K.B Ekanayake and Colonel K.R.K.K.T Bandara function as Deputy Exercise Directors. The Indian contingent participating in the Exercise is commanded by Major Rakesh Roushan of the Indian Army.

After the final exercise on November 4, the closing ceremony is scheduled on Sunday (Nov 6).