In a moment filled with symbolism and pride, Sri Lanka Army Commander Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo returned to his alma mater, the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, to serve as the Reviewing Officer at the Passing Out Parade on 14th of June , 2025.
His presence at the event marked the culmination of a four-day official visit to India, highlighting the enduring defence ties between the two nations.
Commissioned from IMA’s 87th Course in December 1990, Lieutenant General Rodrigo described the return as an emotional and nostalgic homecoming.
Addressing the cadets, he stressed that joining the military is not just about achieving rank, but about committing to a lifelong journey of service, discipline, and honour.
He invoked the IMA Credo and Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw’s words—“Be truthful, be honest, be fearless”—urging the newly commissioned officers to lead with integrity and courage.
The occasion held special significance for Sri Lanka, as two of its officer cadets, including RMNL Rathnayake, son of Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake, were among the graduates—raising the total number of Sri Lankan Army officers trained at IMA to 296.
The participation of foreign cadets at the event reflected IMA’s growing stature as a premier global military training institution.
During his visit, Lieutenant General Rodrigo engaged in strategic discussions with senior Indian Army officials, including Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani and Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, focusing on enhancing military cooperation and regional security.
A key topic was the continuation of Exercise Mitra Shakti, a flagship India-Sri Lanka military collaboration, whose 10th edition was successfully conducted in Sri Lanka in August 2024.
Currently, around 700 Sri Lankan Army personnel are undergoing training in various top-tier Indian military academies, making them the largest foreign contingent in India’s defence education system.
Lieutenant General Rodrigo’s visit served to reaffirm the strong emotional and strategic bond between the two militaries, grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to regional peace.
