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Tipnis impressed by Lanka's air power

Air Chief Marshal A Y Tipnis today rounded off his five-day official visit to Sri Lanka which he described as 'successful', saying he was impressed with the island's growing air power.

Dismissing reports that he was in the country to discuss with Sri Lanka the possible evacuation of the besieged troops in Jaffna, he said the visit was scheduled much earlier. ''There was no need of attaching any importance to my visit at this particular juncture,'' he added before leaving for New Delhi this morning.

The IAF chief's visit to Sri Lanka, which took place almost after 17 years, generated considerable curiosity in Colombo and in India since it came at a time when Lanka is in the midst of a military crisis due to war being fought against separatist Tamil rebels in Jaffna.

The air chief marshal's visit came at a time when Sri Lanka had reportedly sought assistance from neighbouring countries, including India.

He said he was very impressed with the flying capability of the Sri Lankan air force which is second to none. ''Their attitude is professional, infrastructure sound and maintenance capability good,'' the air chief marshal said .

Air Chief Marshal Tipnis said he discussed with his Sri Lankan counterpart, the possibility of strengthening cooperation between the two air forces in training in various fields. In this context, he said more Sri Lankan air force personnel would visit India for training. India is already giving training to the armed forces of Sri Lanka.

He said his visit took place at a time when the Sri Lankan air force was facing severe challenges. ''This indicates the strength of the Sri Lankan air force,'' he said.

During his stay, the IAF chief called on President Chandrika Kumaratunga, deputy defence minister Anurudhha Ratwatte, defence secretary Chandrananda de Silva and the three service commanders. He also visited various air force stations besides meeting senior defence officials.

However, the air chief refused to disclose the issues which came up during talks, merely saying, '' all meetings were cordial.''

The visiting air chief also visited the holiest Buddhist shrine, Dalda Malagawa, at Kandy and meet prelates.

UNI

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