A delegation of 13 senior officers and instructors from Sri Lanka’s National Defence College is in Rwanda for a two-week study tour focused on military education, security cooperation and experience sharing.
The visit, which runs from July 27 to August 9, 2026, is led by Group Captain DMS Rangodage.
The delegation was received on Wednesday, July 29, at the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) headquarters by Brigadier General Louis Kanobayire, Director General of the RDF Directorate of Education, Training and Military Studies.
Brig Gen Kanobayire highlighted the longstanding relations between Rwanda and Sri Lanka, noting the importance of cooperation in areas including military training, peace and international security.
He said the visit provides an opportunity for both sides to exchange expertise, deepen understanding of changing global security dynamics and explore new areas of collaboration between the two defence institutions.
Group Captain Rangodage said the tour offers the delegation an opportunity to learn from Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation and gain a better understanding of the organisation and operations of the RDF.
During their visit, the Sri Lankan officers received a briefing on the evolution of the Rwanda Defence Force and its transformation into a professional military institution.
The presentation highlighted RDF’s role in safeguarding Rwanda’s sovereignty, supporting national development and contributing to regional and international peace efforts through peacekeeping operations and defence partnerships.
The delegation also visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, where they paid tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. They further visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum to learn about Rwanda’s history and the efforts that brought an end to the genocide.
The study tour will continue with visits to government institutions and entities affiliated with the Ministry of Defence as part of efforts to enhance mutual learning and cooperation.
