General Bipin Rawat, accompanied by Mrs. Madhulika Rawat arrived in the island on Sunday (13) making a seven day official visit.Secretary Waidyaratne and the Indian Army Chief had cordial discussions during the meeting on matters of bilateral importance and mutual relevance. They also exchanged mementos to mark the occasion.

Military Liaison Officer of the Ministry Major General DAR Ranawaka was also present at the occasion. General Bipin Rawat, is an alumnus of St. Edward School, Shimla, and the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla; he was commissioned to the Fifth Bn, the Eleventh Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army in December 1978, from IMA, Dehradun, where he was awarded the 'Sword of Honour'.

He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, the Higher Command and National Defence College courses and, has attended the Command and General Staff Course at Fort Leavenworth, USA. He has been awarded with a number of medals including the UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM; COAS Commendation on two occasions and the Army Commander's Commendation. He took office as the Chief of the Army Staff on 31 December 2016.