Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka during the first week of next month for a two-day official visit.
During the visit, discussions are expected to focus on expediting the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation signed between Sri Lanka and India in April last year.
Singh is scheduled to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also serves as Defence Minister, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Defence Ministry Secretary retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, and the commanders of the three armed forces.
The five-year defence cooperation agreement covers areas including defence cooperation, joint military exercises, disaster relief cooperation, naval port visits and strengthening defence industry cooperation.
The two sides are also expected to discuss the acceleration of projects including the Power Grid Interconnection Project, Sampur Solar Energy Project and the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub.
Discussions will also focus on the Kankesanthurai Port Modernization and Rehabilitation Project, which is being implemented with a US$61.5 million grant.
The visit is also expected to address the expeditious conclusion of the tender process for Sri Lanka’s Unique Digital Identity Card project.
