Training and Surveillance Support Explored at World Defence Show 2026

Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.), met with Vice Admiral Fahad Al Ghofaily, Deputy Chief of General Staff of Saudi Arabia, during his official visit to the World Defence Show 2026.

The talks focused on strengthening the longstanding bilateral defence relationship between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia, with the Sri Lankan side expressing gratitude for Saudi assistance during recent national disasters.

Both parties emphasized the importance of professional military exchanges, agreeing to enhance cooperation through Staff Talks and reciprocal participation in defence engagements. Discussions also covered expanding training opportunities for Sri Lankan military personnel and securing support to improve surveillance capabilities and deep-sea operational capacity of the Sri Lanka Navy to counter illegal maritime activities and evolving security challenges.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides reaffirming their mutual commitment to deepening defence relations and maintaining close institutional cooperation.