Sri Lankan military officers in Rwanda for defence, development study tour

A group of senior military officers and faculty members from the Sri Lanka Defence Services Command and Staff College is in Rwanda for a two-week study tour aimed at gaining insights into the country’s defence sector, governance and socio-economic transformation. ALSO READ: Sri Lankan military personnel on study tour in Rwanda The 13-member team, led by Group Captain DMS Rangodage, was received at Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Headquarters in Kimihurura on Wednesday, July 29, by Brig Gen Louis Kanobayire, the RDF Chief J7 in charge of Education, Training and Doctrine. The visit, which began on July 27 and runs until August 9, will include engagements with government institutions and agencies affiliated with the Ministry of Defence. 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... pic.twitter.com/lDPBdF4nqz — Rwanda Ministry of Defence (@RwandaMoD) July 29, 2026 Kanobayire said the study tour builds on the longstanding friendship between Rwanda and Sri Lanka and reflects the two countries' shared commitment to strengthening professional military education and cooperation. He said the exchange provides an opportunity for both sides to deepen their understanding of today's security environment, share experiences in military leadership and professional education, and explore new areas of collaboration between the two defence institutions. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka to establish ties with Rwanda Rangodage described the visit as a valuable opportunity for the participants to gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda's socio-economic transformation, as well as the structure and operations of the Rwanda Defence Force. During the visit to the RDF Headquarters, the officers received a briefing on the evolution of the force from a post-conflict military into a modern and professional institution. The presentation highlighted the RDF’s role in safeguarding Rwanda’s sovereignty, supporting socio-economic development, and contributing to regional and international peace and security through peacekeeping missions and defence partnerships. As part of the programme, the Sri Lankan officers visited Kigali Genocide Memorial, where they paid tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. They also toured the Campaign Against Genocide Museum to learn more about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi and the RPA's military campaign that brought it to an end.

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Sri Lankan military officers in Rwanda for defence, development study tour