Chinese military delegation offers training opportunities to Sri Lankan officers

Saturday, 24 May 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A high ranking Chinese military delegation currently visiting Sri Lanka has met with the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya

Ratnayake yesterday in Colombo. The six-member delegation, headed by Chief of Staff of the Chinese People’s Armed Police Lieutenant General Niu Zhizong is in Sri Lanka on a three-day official visit. During the meeting with the Army Commander, the Chinese Chief of Armed Police has offered training opportunities for Sri Lankan officers in China, in addition to training slots that have already been allocated in China for Sri Lankan service personnel. Lieutenant General Niu has requested the Sri Lankan Commander to send maximum numbers of officers to China for training courses in anti-terrorism, anti-high jacking and disaster management spheres. Lieutenant General Ratnayake in response has invited Chinese officers to join different training courses, conducted in Army training centres in Sri Lanka as many of those courses are on par with international standards. The high ranking Chinese officer has responded positively and assured dispatch of Chinese officers for future training programs. During their stay in Sri Lanka, the delegation is expected to call on Chief of Defence Staff and visit Commando Regiment Headquarters at Ganemulla.

President returns after attending CICA in China

President Mahinda Rajapaksa returned to the country late Thursday after his three-day visit to China. President Rajapaksa left for China on last Monday to attend the 4th summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA). Sri Lanka was invited to participate in the Summit held in Shanghai as an observer. Addressing CICA President Rajapaksa called on Asian leaders who attended the Summit to work collectively to create a peaceful and stable new Asia. During his visit the President held successful bilateral talks on the sidelines of the conference with several Heads of States, including of China, Pakistan, and Iran. He also had a discussion with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. During discussions, President Rajapaksa explained to the Heads of State, the progress achieved in various sectors consequent to the humanitarian operations. He also explained matters relating to the reconciliation program which is being implemented in Sri Lanka, the economic growth and other development achieved.