A youth delegation comprising of 24 children of Indian Army families accompanied by two academic staff visited Sri Lanka from 30 August – 05 September 2012 under the ‘Youth Exchange Programme’ of Sri Lanka Army’s Viru Daru Society. The delegation was received at the Bandaranaike International Airport by Ms Deshani Jayasuriya, Chairperson, Viru Daru Society and several members of the society. The visit is aimed at promoting youth exchange between the two Armies and better understanding.

During their stay in Sri Lanka, the youth delegation had interacted with their counterparts in Sri Lanka through various programmes. The visiting delegation and youth of Sri Lanka Army families interacted in cricket, swimming and a few more games. They proceeded on a cultural tour to Kandy, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura and Trincomalee. In the evening of 04 September, the youth of Indian Army and Sri Lanka Army families presented at the Defence Services College auditorium in Colombo a glittering ‘Cultural Show’. The Cultural Show featured age-old Bharatha Natyam performances, group dancing, traditional dance forms of both countries, music and various styles of Sri Lanka’s folk dancing. Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, President, Seva Vanitha Army Branch were the Chief Guest at the event. The event was also attended by Mr P Kumaran, Deputy High Commissioner of India and other officers from the Indian High Commission.

The youth delegation visited India House in the morning of 05 September. His Excellency Ashok K Kantha, High Commissioner of India hosted a tea for the visiting delegation, members of the Viru Daru Society and Sri Lankan Army officers connected with the visit. The High Commissioner interacted with the children who shared their experiences of the visit. The delegation departed for India in the evening of 05 September carrying with them good wishes of their Sri Lankan friends and fond memories of their visit to Sri Lanka.