23rd November 2025
The 11th Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) between the Indian Army (IA) and the Sri Lanka Army were successfully conducted at the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Gaya, India, from 18 to 20 November 2025, further strengthening the long-standing and cooperative military relationship between the two nations.
A six-member Sri Lanka Army delegation participated in the talks alongside a senior delegation from the Indian Army. The Staff Talks were co-chaired by Major General Akaash Johar AVSM, Additional Director General International Cooperation, leading a seven-member Indian Army delegation, and Major General P.R. Pathiravithana USAWC psc, Director General General Staff, accompanied by representatives from several directorates, including Major General A.M.C.P. Wijeratne RWP RSP nps psc, Director General Research, Concept and Doctrine; Brigadier S.J.K.D. Jayawardena USP psc, Director Information Technology; Brigadier A.K. Peiris RSP, Director Plans; Brigadier B.A.D.R.A.C. Wijesekara RSP cts-ndu USACGSC, Director Training; and Colonel U.N.G. Karunaratne RSP psc, Colonel Perspective Planning & Implementation Cell of the Sri Lanka Army.
The conduct of the Staff Talks in Bodhgaya was highly symbolic, reflecting the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual ties that bind Sri Lanka and India, particularly through their shared Buddhist heritage. The forum provided an invaluable platform for both armies to engage in constructive dialogue, review ongoing cooperation, identify new avenues for collaboration, and reinforce existing military diplomacy, cultural ties, and defence partnerships, including training, joint exercises, capacity building, and strategic-level coordination.
At the conclusion of the deliberations, the agreed minutes of the 11th AAST were formally signed by the two Co-Chairmen, marking a shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral military relations. The Sri Lanka Army also extended an official invitation to the Indian Army to participate in the 12th Army-to-Army Staff Talks, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in 2026.
During the visit, the Sri Lankan delegation also undertook cultural and historical visits to the Sacred Mahabodhi Temple, the 80-foot Buddha Statue in Bodhgaya, the Secrets of Bodhgaya, and the Bihar Museum, further enriching the visit and reinforcing the shared spiritual and civilizational heritage between the two nations.
