March 30, Colombo (LNW): General Shavendra Silva, the Chief of Defence Staff of Sri Lanka, recently undertook a significant visit to Kenya at the invitation of the Ministry of Defence of Kenya, marking a pivotal moment in bolstering defence ties between the two nations.
This landmark visit, aimed at promoting Sri Lanka’s interests across various domains, holds historical significance as General Silva becomes the first Chief of Defence Staff of Sri Lanka to visit Kenya. Aligned with President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s strategic vision to expand diplomatic relations, including defence cooperation, with Africa, General Silva’s visit underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening engagement with the continent.
During his stay, General Silva engaged in substantive discussions with Kenya’s defence establishment, focusing on enhancing defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and Kenya. These productive dialogues are poised to yield positive outcomes, paving the way for strengthened collaboration in the future.
In addition to official engagements, General Silva had the opportunity to meet with the Sri Lankan business community in Kenya. Although time constraints limited his visits, General Silva, accompanied by High Commissioner Kananathan, toured Mas Intimates, a prominent apparel industry in Kenya employing thousands of local workers. This visit not only provided valuable insights into Sri Lankan investments in Kenya but also bolstered visibility, contributing significantly to the burgeoning economic ties between the two countries.
High Commissioner Kananathan emphasized the importance of General Silva’s interaction with the expatriate community, highlighting the mutual benefits of fostering closer ties between Sri Lanka and Kenya.
