The Alumni Interaction event was held at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, from 6 to 9 December 2024, and focused on fostering ties between IMA alumni from courses 86 and 87.

Upon an invitation extended by the Indian Army, Ministry of Defence and the Government of India, a delegation from the Sri Lanka Army, headed by Major General W.P.A.D.W. Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and Colonel of the Regiment of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, along with Major General M.G.W.W.W.M.C.B. Wickramasinghe RWP RSP ndu psc, Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and Colonel of the Regiment of the Gajaba Regiment, Major General A.H.L.G. Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc, Commander, Security Forces (West) and Colonel Commandant of Sri Lanka Engineers, Major General W.H.K.S. Peiris (Retd) RWP RSP VSV USP ndu, Major General L.C.R. Jayasuriya (Retd) RWP ndc psc, Major General S.R.B. Aluvihare (Retd) RWP RSP ndu psc and Brigadier R.M.J.B. Rathnayake RSP, the Director, Directorate of Maintenance Management – Army Hospital also participated in the event.

The event commenced with a warm welcome by Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain, Commandant of the Indian Military Academy. Following the initial interaction session, the visiting delegation attended an orientation briefing on the training programs conducted at the IMA. Afterward, the delegation head participated in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial Statue inaugurated by Great Military Leader produced by Indian Army Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw MC, attended by a large gathering from the institution.

The delegation then toured the IMA and interacted with foreign Officer Cadets, including Sri Lankan cadets currently undergoing training. In a highlight of the visit, the head of the delegation and several Senior Officers addressed a gathering of over 800 Officer Cadets including Directing Staffs and Instructors sharing insights on military leadership, professional development and career experiences at the famous “Khetrapal” auditorium.

The itinerary also included sports activities. In addition to official engagements, the delegation enjoyed local sightseeing at Dehradun’s iconic Buddha Temple, Dehradun, and the picturesque hill station of Mussoorie. A social evening further strengthened the bonds between the two Armies.

The visit highlighted the military cooperation, friendship and diplomatic relationship between two Armies and the two nations in generally while strengthening professional ties among IMA alumni. Further, this was the first ever largest delegation comprised with six Sri Lankan Major Generals and a Brigadier to the India.