Indian Chief of Army Staff tells President Rajapaksa:

India’s govt, military fully committed to Sri Lanka’s security

The Indian government and military are fully committed to Sri Lanka’s security and to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries, the visiting Indian Chief of Army Staff General Bikram Singh said when he paid a courtesy call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat last morning.

Noting that the Sri Lankan Security Forces have acquired vast strategic knowledge and experience, Gen Singh praised Sri Lankan soldiers for their discipline, competence and outstanding skills. He said it would be useful for both countries to learn from each other.

President Rajapaksa thanked India for the support extended to Sri Lanka during the war and said the task would have been much more difficult if not for India’s help.

During the discussion, President Rajapaksa also brought up the issue of Indian fishermen fishing in Sri Lanka waters to which Gen Singh responded by affirming that a strong message has been conveyed to officials of the state of Tamil Nadu to take measures to control the situation. While thanking the Sri Lankan government for constructing the monument commemorating the Indian

Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), Gen. Singh Promised to assist Sri Lanka in meeting the training requirements of the security forces.

Maj. Gen. Rajeev Tewari and the Defense Attache at the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka Capt. Sumith Kapoor joined Gen. Singh for the discussion while Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Army Commander Lt. Gen.Jagath Jayasuriya were also present.