A consignment of defence and medical equipment valued at USD 5 million, donated by the Government of India, was officially handed over by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Santosh Jha, to the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), on 16 June 2026 at the Army Headquarters, Akuregoda. The Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, was also present at the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, H.E. Mr. Santosh Jha stated that the donation reflects the longstanding relationship between the armed forces of the two countries. He further highlighted that defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka has expanded beyond training opportunities and humanitarian assistance to include capability enhancement, infrastructure development, and the provision of military equipment.
Recalling the prompt humanitarian assistance extended by India to Sri Lanka following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah under Operation “Sagar Bandhu”, the High Commissioner stated that search and rescue operations, medical assistance and infrastructure reconstruction activities were carried out in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.
The Secretary of Ministry of Defence also expressed his gratitude to the Government of India on behalf of the President and the Ministry of Defence. He emphasised that during challenging periods, including natural disasters, economic recovery efforts, capability development initiatives and defence cooperation programmes, India has continuously supported Sri Lanka.
A large number of senior officials representing the Ministry of Defence, the Sri Lanka Army and the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka participated in the event.
