India has donated a consignment of military stores and a trauma care system valued at over USD 5 million to the Sri Lanka Army under its Grant Assistance programme.

The equipment was officially handed over at a ceremony held at the Army Headquarters, Defence Headquarters Complex in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha presented the donation to Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) in the presence of Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The consignment was transported aboard the Indian Naval Ship INS Sharda, which visited Colombo from June 10 to 13 and facilitated the transfer of essential military supplies from the Indian Army to the Sri Lanka Army.

Addressing the event, High Commissioner Jha said the donation reflected the strong and longstanding relationship between the armed forces of India and Sri Lanka. He noted that defence cooperation between the two countries has expanded in recent years to include military capability enhancement, infrastructure development, and the provision of equipment and training support.

He also highlighted India's assistance to Sri Lanka during Cyclone Ditwah under Operation Sagar Bandhu and referred to the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation signed during the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025 as a significant step in strengthening bilateral defence ties.

Defence Secretary Thuyacontha thanked the Government of India for its continued support and friendship, describing India as a trusted partner that has consistently assisted Sri Lanka during times of need, including natural disasters and economic challenges.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Sri Lanka Army, and the High Commission of India attended the ceremony.