Defence Secretary graces 53rd Bangladesh Armed Forces Day Ceremony

Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) graced the 53^rd Bangladesh Armed Forces Day ceremony as the Chief Guest at Hotel Shangri-La in Colombo last evening (Nov 25).

The host, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka H.E. Andalib Elias, received the Defence Secretary on his arrival at the venue. Defence Advisor at the Bangladesh High Commission, Commodore M. Moniruzzaman made the welcome address.

Addressing the distinguished gathering, the Defence Secretary conveyed his well wishes to the Armed Forces of the People's Republic of Bangladesh for marking the 53^rd anniversary in celebrating the course of their great endeavour towards liberating Bangladesh.

"Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are maintaining a very healthy, cordial relationship throughout history. Our relationship with Bangladesh, which had been evolving through many spheres, has reached a more strategic state in the present context. This event is also to be considered as a remarkable milestone in enhancing the bilateral relations among the two countries." Defence Secretary further stated.

The Bangladesh High Commissioner presented a memento to the Defence Secretary to mark the occasion.

Members of the diplomatic corps, the Chief of Defence Staff, Tri- forces Commanders, Defence Ministry officials, and many distinguished guests were present at the event.