Sri Lanka and China conclude joint army exercise

Sri Lanka and China, on Monday, concluded a joint army exercise at a Special Forces training school in Maduruoya, located some 288 kilometres (179 mi) north-east of the capital Colombo, the Sri Lanka army media unit said.

A 43-member group of Chinese military officers, led by Lieutenant Colonel Qi Qiang of the Chinese People?s Liberation Army (PLA) joined hands together with a similar number from the Sri Lanka Army?s Commando Regiment and Special Forces in the ?Exercise – Silk Route – 2015? which began last month.

Together with the Commander of the Sri Lanka army, Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva, the Ambassador for the People?s Republic of China in Sri Lanka Yi Xianliang, graced the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest.

The exercise was conducted under three phases focusing largely on weapon handling, VVIP protection study, live firing, lane firing, sniper firing, body protection drills, backup vehicle movement and training, body protection formation, ambush drills, reconnaissance techniques, skill firing, special mission planning, combat tracking techniques, situation training exercise, jungle warfare and basic battle skills, vehicle ambush drills, aircraft and building option training.

Several stunning mock demonstrations that displayed by way of raids, operations, combat rider skills, motorcade drills, ambushes and other training modules thrilled the spectators before the closing ceremony got underway after playing national anthems of both Sri Lanka and China.

Award of medals and certificates to the participants took place afterwards, headed by the Chief Guest and the Commander of the army.

Towards the end of the day?s proceedings, the whole joint exercise turned more memorable with the exchange of mementoes and country flags by both armies.?(Colombo Gazette)