Army Chief to begin 4-day visit to Sri Lanka today

New Delhi: Seeking closer military ties with Sri Lanka, Army chief Gen Bikram Singh will be on a four days visit to the island nation beginning Wednesday.

The visit from December 19-22 assumes special significance in light of ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries in consonance with the growing relationship with Sri Lanka, an Army release said in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The last visit by an Indian Army chief to Sri Lanka was in September 2010. After taking over on June 1, Singh has visited Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh and has laid emphasised on improving ties with the neighbouring countries.

The Army Chief is scheduled to interact with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and other high level political and military dignitaries there.

During the visit, the Army chief is scheduled to interact with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and other high level political and military dignitaries there.

He would also be reviewing the Passing Out Parade in a Sri Lankan Military Training Academy on Saturday before his return.

In December 2011, Commander of Sri Lankan Army Lt Gen Jagath Jayasuriya had reviewed the Passing Out Parade at Indian Military Academy in Dehradun.

Singh will be accompanied by his wife Bubbles Singh, who will be visiting Sri Lankan Army's establishments dealing with the welfare of families and their 'Veer Naris' (war widows).

"This will facilitate in mutual understanding and benefit from each others' experiences on the issue," the release said.

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