India-Sri Lanka Defence MoU in accordance with international best practices – Defence Secretary

• CNL Reporter
• April 5, 2025
• Political
• Defence Secretary
• 0 Comments

Any cooperation activities undertaken under the proposed MoU will be in accordance with international best practices and will not conflict with the domestic laws and national policies of either Sri Lanka or India, according to Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha.

Sri Lanka and India have had cordial defence relations for decades, engaging in defence dialogues, joint military and naval exercises, training, workshops, etc., according to him.

Annually, India provides training for approximately 750 military personnel from Sri Lanka. The India-Sri Lanka defence partnership has been, and continues to be, an invaluable asset for Sri Lanka, he said.

During the Defence Dialogue held in 2023, both sides agreed to further strengthen defence relations through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation with a view to continuing the defence partnership and engagements more efficiently and in a structured manner.

The MoU was meticulously scrutinized, reviewed, and relevant negotiations were conducted in terms of circular instructions issued by the Secretary to the President in January this year concerning interactions with foreign governments. The approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was duly obtained prior to signature, he added.

“When carrying out cooperation activities under this MoU, the Parties commit themselves to respect the national and military laws and regulations of the Parties and the relevant principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, which include the sovereign equality of States, territorial integrity and inviolability, and non-intervention in the internal affairs of the Parties.

Through the solid base for defence relations provided by the signing of this MoU, the exchange of tri-service officers, training, staff talks between the forces, exchange of information, cooperation in the defence industry, and in the field of defence technology and research with measures to ensure relevant intellectual property rights, will be carried out in a professional manner.

The MoU will be in force for five years, with the rights reserved for the parties to terminate the agreement with three months’ advance notice, and continuation for three years thereafter, subject to a review of progress and termination, if so inclined, with similar prior notice,” he said.