Colombo: Sri Lanka and India signed three strategic defense agreements aimed at modernizing regional defense capabilities and enhancing institutional collaboration, declared official defense representatives following meetings in Colombo. During the summit, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake maintained Sri Lanka’s commitment to safeguarding mutual security interests, assuring that national territory will remain secure from activities harmful to Indian security.
The centerpiece of the defense agreements includes an Indian grant to upgrade six 40mm L70 anti-aircraft gun systems for the Sri Lanka Air Force. The technical modernization project will significantly enhance Sri Lanka’s air defense architecture for critical assets. Complementing technical assistance, new institutional partnerships will facilitate knowledge exchanges between the respective National Defence Colleges and expand annual exchange programs for National Cadet Corps cohorts.
The bilateral engagement also highlighted joint infrastructure achievements, marked by the virtual inauguration of three newly built Bailey bridges constructed by Indian defense engineers. Defense officials noted that the agreements mark an important step forward in deepening military-to-military engagement, technical support, and structural defense cooperation across the Indian Ocean.
