The Indian Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria has assured newly appointed Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana of India's continuing support in further cementing the strong defence co-operation between India and Sri Lanka towards greater security in the region.

Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria made this assurance as he spoke with the newly appointed Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Pathirana, who is an alumnus of the prestigious National Defence College, India to congratulate him on being appointed as Commander of SLAF.

A statement issued by the Indian High Commission in Colombo said that the Indian Air Force Chief also called on outgoing Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sumangala Dias, on Monday, to congratulate him on his promotion to the rank of Air Chief Marshal.