New Delhi: On Wednesday, a-14 day long joint exercise between the armies of India and Sri Lanka began. "Mitra Shakti" had a grand opening ceremony at Diyatalawa in Sri Lanka Badulla district. A joint ceremonial parade of the two contingents, commanded by the Company Commander of the Indian Army contingent and reviewed by Brig HPNK Jayapathirana of Sri Lankan Army, was also conducted.
The exercise which began on March 26th will be continuing till 8th of April. It has an Indian Army contingent, comprising of a company group from 1st Battalion the BIHAR Regiment (BATALIK) and a similar strength from the 1st Gemunu Watch Battalion of the Sri Lankan Army.
The exercise will be focusing mainly on training and equipping the contingents to undertake joint counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in urban/rural environment and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations. It is an ideal platform for both contingents to share their operational experience and expertise as well. A validation phase of the exercise will be held towards the end of the training.
“Mitra Shakti” exercise began in the year 2013. It is a series of joint exercises, conducted annually as part of military diplomacy and also an interaction between the armies of India and Sri Lanka.