(Colombo) Sri Lanka is in the process of establishing a small arms manufacturing facility, drawing on the expertise of India, disclosed State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon on Wednesday.
During a session at the Presidential Media Centre themed ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country,’ Tennakoon highlighted Sri Lanka’s engagement with Indian defense manufacturers, noting the country’s presence at a recent presentation on April 10, where he served as the Chief Guest.
While emphasizing the strong military ties between India and Sri Lanka, Tennakoon clarified that the current interactions are not about making immediate purchases but about learning and collaboration. “Our military-to-military connectivity with India is at a high, enhancing our strategic relations without necessitating immediate acquisitions,” he stated.
Tennakoon praised the significant growth of India’s defense manufacturing sector over the past two decades, suggesting it as a viable model for Sri Lanka to emulate. “The Indian defense sector’s advancements provide a robust framework from which we can learn a great deal,” he explained.
He also mentioned that while Sri Lanka has some capabilities in weapons manufacturing, the scale has yet to meet expectations. Ongoing discussions with Indian counterparts aim to enhance Sri Lanka’s manufacturing capabilities. “With guidance and expertise from India, we are confident in achieving significant progress in establishing our own small arms production,” Tennakoon affirmed
