General Liang Guanglie calls on Secretary Defence
The visiting State Councilor and Minister of National Defence of the People's Republic of China (PRC) General Liang Guanglie called on the Secretary to the Ministry Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (31st August) at the Ministry premises.
Gen Guanglie arrived in the Island on a five day official goodwill visit leading a high powered delegation. The members of the delegation were also present at the occasion.
A cordial discussion was held between the visiting Chinese Defence Minister and Secretary Defence on matters of bilateral importance between the two friendly states. Secretary Defence greatly appreciated the valued assistance and cooperation extended by China in times of great need.
Gen. Liang Guanglie, a distinguished officer joined the PLA in January 1958. He rose through the ranks holding many important positions and posts before he was appointed as the Commander of Shenyang Military Area Command in November 1997 and Commander of the Nanjing Military Area Command in December 1999.
Subsequently in November 2002 he became a member of the Central Military Commission of Peoples Republic of China and Chief of General Staff of the PLA. In March 2007, he assumed office as a State Councillor and took up the key portfolio as the Minister of National Defence.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between visiting General Liang Guanglie and Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa with regard to development assistance for an academic building complex for the Sri Lanka Military Academy.
As a gesture of goodwill and friendship mementos were exchanged between General Guaglie and Secretary Defence.
Military Liaisons Officer of Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Maj Gen (Rtd) Palitha Fernando, Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonathilaka, Commander of the Army Lt Gen Jagath Jayasooriya, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral DWAS Dissanayaka and Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal HD Abeywickrama were also present at the occasion. Info .Dpt
