Raksha Mantri pays a courtesy call on Sri Lankan President in Colombo
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met Sri Lankan President Mr Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on September 09, 2026, to discuss multi-faceted bilateral ties. The leaders virtually inaugurated three Bailey Bridges built by the Indian Defence Forces and exchanged several MoUs covering military, academic, and youth cooperation. President Dissanayake assured that Sri Lankan territory will not be used against India's security interests.
Why It Matters
This press release contains factual details regarding high-level bilateral engagements, defence agreements, and operations involving India and Sri Lanka, which are relevant for current affairs sections in competitive exams.
In Simple Words
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met Sri Lankan President Mr Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on September 09, 2026. They discussed bilateral partnership, regional security, and development cooperation, highlighting deep historical and civilisational links between the two countries.
During the visit, the leaders virtually inaugurated three Bailey Bridges built by Indian Defence Forces. They also exchanged MoUs on upgrading L70 guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force, academic cooperation between National Defence Colleges, and NCC youth exchange programmes.
Key Points
- Raksha Mantri met Sri Lankan President Mr Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on September 09, 2026.
- India provided relief assistance via Operation Sagar Bandhu during Cyclone Ditwah.
- Both leaders virtually inaugurated three Bailey Bridges constructed by the Indian Defence Forces.
- An MoU was exchanged on the upgradation of L70 Guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force under a Government of India grant.
- An MoU was established for cooperation between National Defence Colleges (NDC) of both countries.
- An MoU was signed for NCC cooperation to formalise the NCC youth exchange programme.
Exam Angle
A. Operation Sagar Bandhu
Source: Press Information Bureau