Eighteen students and faculty members from the Sri Lanka Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) are currently in Rwanda for a study tour. A statement from Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) on Thursday, July 31, pointed out that the tour started on July 28 and will end on August 8. The Sri Lankan delegation which is led by Brig Gen Narinda Dissanayeke was received by Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, RDF’s Spokesperson and Col Silver Munyaneza, Chief of RDF’s logistics (J4) at the military's Headquarters in Kimihurura. PHOTOS: Rwanda, Sri Lanka military chiefs discuss ties Briefing the visitors, Rwivanga talked about RDF’s transformation from a post-conflict force into a modern and professional military. He noted that RDF’s role is to safeguard national sovereignty, supporting socio-economic development, and contributing to regional peace and security through active participation in international peacekeeping missions and collaborative defence initiatives. ALSO READ: More Rwandan officers to attend Sri Lankan elite military college Dissanayake, on behalf of the delegation, said the purpose of their tour is to gain insights into Rwanda’s socio-economic development and the structure and operations of RDF. “We are also grateful for the opportunity to learn about Rwanda’s history, particularly the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and to understand how the country has recovered from that tragic chapter,” he said. ALSO READ: Rwanda's envoy presents credentials in Sri Lanka The delegation also visited Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay their respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The mass grave has over 250,000 Genocide victims buried there. They later toured the Campaign Against Genocide Museum to learn about the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The study tour will also include visits to government institutions and Ministry of Defence-affiliated agencies. Rwanda and Sri Lanka have existing agreements and cooperate in areas of defence and security, as well as a bilateral air service agreement.
