SRI LANKA DEFENCE SERVICES COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE STUDENTS CONDUCT STUDY TOUR IN RWANDA

A delegation of 13 senior officers and faculty members from the Sri Lanka Defence Services Command and Staff College, led by Group Capt DMS Rangodage, was today received at the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Headquarters in Kimihurura by the Chief J7 in charge of Education,Training and Doctrine, Brig Gen Louis Kanobayire, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the Rwanda Defence Force.

The delegation is in Rwanda for a study tour scheduled from 27 July to 9 August 2026.In his remarks, Brig Gen Louis Kanobayire highlighted the longstanding friendship between Rwanda and Sri Lanka, as well as their shared commitment to professional military education, peace, and international security. He noted that the visit provides an excellent opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two defence institutions.

He emphasized that, beyond the exchange of experiences, such visits enable both sides to deepen their mutual understanding of the evolving security environment, share best practices in military leadership and professional education, and identify new opportunities for collaboration.

The Head of Delegation, Group Capt DMS Rangodage, described the visit to Rwanda as an important and valuable opportunity to gain deeper insights into the country’s socio-economic development, as well as the structure and operations of the Rwanda Defence Force.

The delegation also received a presentation on the remarkable transformation of the Rwanda Defence Force from a post-conflict force into a modern and professional military institution. The presentation highlighted the RDF’s pivotal role in safeguarding national sovereignty, supporting socio-economic development, and contributing significantly to regional and international peace and security through its active participation in peacekeeping missions and collaborative defence initiatives.

The delegation also visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. They also toured the Campaign Against Genocide Museum, where they gained deeper insights into the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi and the efforts that contributed to its end.

The study tour will also include visits to Rwandan government institutions and agencies affiliated with the Ministry of Defence.