Colombo, Jan 8 (NationPress) General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of India, made a visit to the Army War College (AWC) in Sri Lanka on Thursday, where he engaged with Major General D K R N Silva, the Commandant of AWC. During his visit, he attended the ceremonial laying of the foundation for the India-Sri Lanka Friendship Sports Complex and oversaw the transfer of a military ambulance to the AWC.

General Dwivedi encouraged the student officers to strive for professional excellence and to cultivate agility and adaptability in response to the swiftly changing nature of contemporary conflict.

In a statement disseminated via X, the Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) remarked, "Today, General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, visited the Army War College (AWC) in Sri Lanka, where he interacted with Major General DKRN Silva, the Commandant of AWC. The COAS also observed the foundation ceremony for the India-Sri Lanka Friendship Sports Complex and the handover of a military ambulance to the AWC."

"In his discussions with the student officers, the COAS urged them to continuously pursue professional excellence while developing agility and adaptability to meet the challenges posed by the evolving nature of modern conflict. He emphasized the necessity of innovative thinking and readiness to operate across a comprehensive range of warfare," it detailed.

Earlier, General Dwivedi held discussions with Lankan defence officials focusing on cooperation in areas like Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and boosting collaboration between the two nations in shared interests. He met with Sri Lanka's Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara and Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha.

The Indian Army highlighted that the discussions were aimed at fortifying bilateral defence cooperation and enhancing military-to-military engagement, particularly in HADR. Both nations reiterated their commitment to regional security, stability, and a long-lasting defence partnership.

General Dwivedi also inspected the Guard of Honour at the Sri Lankan Army Headquarters in Colombo and had a dialogue with Lieutenant General B K G M Lasantha Rodrigo, the Commander of the Lankan Army.

"The discussions focused on deepening military ties and reaffirming the mutual commitment of both countries to regional peace and security. On this occasion, military vehicles, ambulances, and training simulators were handed over, further solidifying defence cooperation and the enduring friendship between the two nations," the ADGPI shared on X.

On the preceding day, the Indian Army chief met the Commandant of Sri Lanka's Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), Major General K.W. Jayaweera, and observed the inauguration of the 'Indo-Lanka Wisdom Corner' at the DSCSC library.

While addressing the faculty and student officers at the DSCSC, General Dwivedi underscored the critical role of the Armed Forces in nation building and the imperative to incorporate niche and emerging technologies into military operations.