A contingent from the Sri Lanka National Cadet Corps departed for India on 1st November 2026, to participate in a training programme associated with a joint international cycling expedition. This initiative aims to further strengthen the long standing friendly relations between Sri Lanka and India, while fostering mutual understanding, cooperation, and cultural ties among the youth of both nations.
This international youth exchange programme is being conducted with the approval and support of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education, under the supervision of the National Cadet Corps, Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan contingent, consisting of eleven members included three officers, four boys’ cadets, and four girls’ cadets.
The Officers who participated for this expedition were Lt Col D. A. R. Upananda,Lt Col A. M. Dharmadasa and Maj K. G. Dimbulkumbura.
Boys’ cadets were WO II M. V. R. Y. B. Vitharana,Staff Sergeant J. S. A. S. D. Jayasekara, Staff Sergeant L. P. S. C. Hirusara and,Sergeant K. M. A. S. Konara while girls' cadets were WO I G. M. P. B. Chamalka,WO II W. G. P. Madhumali, Sergeant S. D. T. Samarasinghe and Sergeant N. V. N. De Silva.
The Sri Lankan contingent, which will participate in a special training program in India from 1st to13th November 2026, is scheduled to return to the island upon the completion of their training.
Accordingly, the cycling tour is set to commence on 15th November 2026, from the Galle Face in Colombo.
It will cover the areas of Katunayake, Kurunegala, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, and Jaffna, before concluding in Trincomalee on 23rd November 2026.
Subsequently, the group is scheduled to depart for India once again on 25th November 2026, to participate in the Republic day celebrations of India.
This international youth exchange programme will provide cadets with a valuable opportunity to gain experience of the cultural and social environments of both countries, while also fostering leadership, discipline, team spirit, and mutual cooperation.
Furthermore, by cultivating friendship and goodwill among the youth of both nations, such joint international initiatives will make a significant contribution toward further strengthening the existing bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and India.
