Indian National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon visits Sri Lanka; Annual JCET between the US Naval Special Warfare Community and the Sri Lankan Armed Forces commenced at Trincomalee; India offers eight scholarships for Sri Lankan Nationals in tradition
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    • (JULY 8-14)

    According to reports, Indian National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon attended the second meeting of the national security advisor level Trilateral Cooperation on Maritime Security between Maldives, Sri Lanka and India, and signed the Outcome Document. 1 During his stay in Sri Lanka, Mr. Menon met President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the President’s House at Colombo and discussed the issue of devolution. President Rajapaksa explained to Mr. Menon the practical problems that exist with devolving land and police powers to the provinces of a small country such as Sri Lanka and stressed that the structure that is implemented should apply and be acceptable to all parts of the country. President also urged India to encourage the TNA to participate in the Parliament Select Committee (PSC) and stated that the government is committed to taking the process forward despite any obstacles. 2

    Reports noted that the exercise Flash Style, the Annual Joined Combined Exchange Training (JCET) between the US Naval Special Warfare Community and the Sri Lankan Armed Forces commenced on July 2 at the Naval Dockyard in Trincomalee and scheduled to conclude on July 19th. Special Boat Squadron, Fast Attack Flotilla, Divers and Rapid Response Rescue and Release Squadron of the Sri Lanka Navy and MI 24 Squadron and Regiment Special Forces of the Sri Lanka Air Force are taking part in the exercise along with a 10- member US team from US Navy SEALs, Special Boat Unit and Air Force. 3

    In other developments, reports noted that the High Commission of India has announced the offer of eight scholarships for Sri Lankan Nationals in traditional medicine fields during the forthcoming session of 2013-2014. The scholarships under the "Ayush Scholarship Scheme" will be offered for undergraduate, post-graduate and Ph. D courses in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy and Yoga. 4

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