Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff is on an official visit to Sri Lanka from 11-14 Dec 17, to deliberate on matters of mutual interest related to regional security. Regional security is one of the most important aspects now as China has signed a 99-year lease on Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port which has worried New Delhi a lot. Sri Lanka initially wanted New Delhi to consider taking Hambantota on the lease, but the port is a loss-making venture to such an extent that it had become impossible for Colombo to repay its debts.
Namal Rajapaksa, Hambantota’s MP and son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa tweeted his anguish and bashed the Sri Lankan government for only being ‘interested in profiting from giving away national assets.’ He also wondered how ‘many more will follow after Hambantota.’ He also accused Maithripala Sirisena government for having had ‘absolutely no regard for the welfare of workers at the Hambantota Port.’
In these circumstances the visit of the Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa becomes pivotal.
During the visit, Birender Singh Dhanoa would also review the Commissioning, Award of Wings and Passing Out Parade of the Sri Lankan Air Force Academy which is scheduled to be held on 14 Dec 17. It is the first occasion in the history of the Sri Lankan Air Force where an Air Chief of a foreign Air Force is invited to review the prestigious passing out parade.
This visit of the Indian Air Chief would provide impetus towards increasing defence cooperation between the two Air Forces and pave the way for greater interaction in the future. This would also strengthen relationships, enable engagement in productive exchanges and promote understanding of joint issues and challenges.
