In a demonstration of robust military ties, a contingent comprising 29 Officers and 94 Other Ranks from the Sri Lanka Army set off for India afternoon (15th) to participate in the eagerly anticipated ‘Mithra Shakthi’ military exercise, jointly organized by the Sri Lanka Army and the Indian Army.
Scheduled to commence on Thursday (16) at the 330 Infantry Brigade of the Indian Army in Pune, India, the ‘Mithra Shakthi’ exercise is slated to run until 29 November 2023.
Established in 2012, the ‘Mithra Shakthi’ joint military exercise serves as an annual training program, fostering interoperability, military cooperation, joint tactical operations, and the exchange of experiences. The 29-member Sri Lankan Army contingent, under the leadership of Major General P.G.P.S Rathnayaka RWP RSP ndc, General Officer Commanding, 53 Infantry Division, as the Exercise Overall Coordinator, will collaborate with their Indian Army counterparts.
Colonel M.J Ubeysekera RSP psc, Exercise Director, Colonel B.Y Nanayakkara RSP psc, Exercise Deputy Director, and Colonel R.M.S Ranasinghe, Exercise Log Command, form the key personnel accompanying the Sri Lankan delegation.
This marks the ninth edition of the ‘Mithra Shakthi’ series, aiming not only to enhance interoperability but also to develop joint strategies, particularly in the realms of counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism (CI and CT) environments. The exercise encompasses comprehensive training, including weapon proficiency, basic military tactics, and intricate battle strategies.
As the Sri Lankan and Indian armed forces unite for this friendly exercise, it symbolizes the enduring camaraderie and collaborative spirit between the two nations’ military establishments. The ‘Mithra Shakthi’ exercise stands as a testament to the commitment to regional security and the mutual pursuit of excellence in military capabilities.
