General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M) Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Pakistan arrived in Sri Lanka for a three day visit.
At the cordial invitation extended by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, the visiting General and the entourage arrived in the island the morning hours today (09 February). Chief of Staff of the OCDS, General Udaya Kumara RSP VSV USP USAWC psc along with his spouse ceremonially received and welcomed the visiting Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, his spouse and delegation upon their arrival at the VIP Lounge of the Bandaranaike International Airport.
Commencing the official tour in Sri Lanka, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M) visited the OCDS where the visiting General was formally received in a colourful Guard of Honour, accorded on his behalf by the troops of the Sri Lanka Army. Upon the arrival to the office, the Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva extended a warm reception to the visiting Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Pakistan and accompanied to his office.
Both defence chiefs dedicated time for the discussions highlighting the importance of continued close relations between the two friendly nations and recalled the past memories and assistance readily extended to Sri Lanka, particularly during the height of the combat against the LTTE terrorism and remembered the bonds of understanding and goodwill that prevails between two forces throughout the years. Further, CDS conveyed his gratefulness to the Pakistan Defence Forces for the support extended to the defence sector of Sri Lanka in numerous means such as training and modern military equipment to the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. At the same time, CDS thankfully emphasized the assistance extended during the disastrous situations and stated that he looked forward to continuing the strong ties in the same spirit in the future as well.
As the cordial discussions drew to a close, General Shavendra Silva symbolized the existing sound working relations by presenting a special memento to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Pakistan while wishing him all the success in his future endeavours. Conforming the same strong relations to the future, the visiting General presented a memento to the CDS in response.
General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M) Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Pakistan conveyed his gratefulness to General Shavendra Silva for the cordial welcome and endowed a few notable compliments in the Visitors’ Book at the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff before leaving the premises.
During the stay, the delegation will also call on the His Excellency President Ranil Wickremesinghe and a few other dignitaries including the Secretary Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc MPhil and Tri-Service Commanders. Further, the delegation of the friendly foreign country will also experience the pride, glory, and scenic beauty of Sri Lanka during the scheduled visits to Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Galle.