Sri Lankan National Defence College Delegation Embarks On Collaborative Study Tour In Mumbai
A distinguished 21-member delegation from the National Defence College of Sri Lanka undertook a collaborative study tour in Mumbai from September 15 to 17, 2023. Led by Brigadier Willera Arachchige Sagara Ranjan Wijedasa, Senior Directing Staff at the National Defence College of Sri Lanka, the delegation’s visit was part of an international collaborative study package.
During their visit, the delegation engaged in insightful interactions with Rear Admiral Kunal Rajkumar, Chief Staff Officer (Operations) of the Western Naval Command in Mumbai. The delegation received a comprehensive overview of the operational capabilities and responsibilities of the Western Naval Command, along with updates on recent strides in maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
A pivotal highlight of the visit was the delegation’s tour of the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. Here, they had the privilege to interact with Rear Admiral DK Goswami, Admiral Superintendent, Mumbai, and gain valuable insights into the maintenance, repair, and refit capabilities of the yard. A guided tour of the state-of-the-art Aircraft Carrier Dock and other specialized repair and maintenance units provided an in-depth understanding of India’s rich maritime and cultural heritage, particularly in shipbuilding, which was further explored at the Maritime Heritage Museum located within Naval Dockyard Mumbai.
The delegation’s itinerary also included a visit to Mazagon Docks Limited, where they were introduced to the indigenous shipbuilding capabilities of the shipyard. Senior officials from the shipyard offered an overview of the shipbuilding process and its interconnected requirements. The delegation had the opportunity to tour the shipyard and witness firsthand the various shipbuilding techniques being employed.
India and Sri Lanka share deep historical, cultural, and geographical ties, providing fertile ground for cooperation under the umbrella of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and the honorable Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Security and Growth of All in the Region (SAGAR)’. This visit further solidified these historical ties through an expanding sphere of defence cooperation.