Badulla, Sri Lanka. Exercise MITRA SHAKTI VI, a 14 days joint training exercise of the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army, commenced at Diyatalawa Parade Ground in Diyatalawa, Badulla District, Sri Lanka at an opening ceremony on March 27.

This is the sixth edition of the joint exercise between the two nations. The exercise is being conducted from March 26 to April 8.

The Indian Army contingent comprises of a company group from BIHAR Regiment and a similar strength from the First Gemunu Watch Battalion of Sri Lankan Army. Brigadier HPNK Jayapathirana, General Officer Commanding 21 Division of Sri Lankan Army was the chief guest for the opening ceremony.

The primary focus of the exercise is to train and equip the contingents to undertake joint counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in urban/ rural environment under the United Nations flag.

The exercise provides an ideal platform for both contingents to share their operational experience and expertise while being instrumental in broadening interoperability and cooperation between the armies of India and Sri Lanka.