India to Support Sri Lanka Army in Establishing Artificial Intelligence Lab
India will support Sri Lanka in establishing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) laboratory for the Sri Lankan Army, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced during his official visit to the country.
Speaking at an evening reception aboard Indian Naval Ship (INS) Udaygiri on Wednesday, Singh said the proposed AI lab would strengthen the technological capabilities of the Sri Lankan Army and deepen defence cooperation between the two countries.
The announcement followed what Singh described as “extremely productive and fruitful discussions” with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Several agreements were also signed during the visit, covering the upgrading of L70 guns used by the Sri Lankan Air Force and cooperation between the National Cadet Corps and the National Defence Colleges of India and Sri Lanka.
Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka during times of crisis, recalling India’s assistance following the devastating Cyclone Ditwah. Indian naval vessels, including INS Udaygiri and INS Vikrant, were among the first to provide assistance.
He described India and Sri Lanka as long-standing friends and neighbours with deep cultural, historical and civilisational links, while emphasising their shared interest in maintaining security and stability in the Indian Ocean.
Meanwhile, President Dissanayake briefed the Indian Defence Minister on Sri Lanka’s recently launched islandwide programme to combat drug trafficking.
According to the President’s Media Division, President Dissanayake requested India’s fullest support in Sri Lanka’s efforts to tackle the illegal drug trade.
Labour Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said defence relations between Sri Lanka and India had continued to strengthen over the years, with the armed forces of both countries maintaining close and professional cooperation.
He also highlighted the importance of continued high-level engagement between the two countries in advancing their shared priorities.
The latest discussions and agreements further underline the expanding partnership between Sri Lanka and India, particularly in the areas of defence, national security, technology and regional cooperation.
