ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday concluded a joint counter-terrorism exercise at the northwestern town of Tarbela, aimed at strengthening military-to-military cooperation between the two South Asian nations, a military statement said.
A two-week-long exercise ‘Shake Hands-II’ started on 27 April 2026 with the participation of teams from Special Services Group, Pakistan Army, and Sri Lankan Special Forces, the military’s media wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
General Officer Commanding Special Services Group attended the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest.
Pakistan-Sri Lanka Joint Exercise “Shake Hands-II 2026” concluded at Tarbela today @PakinSriLanka @ForeignOfficePk #RadioPakistan #News #PakistanSriLanka https://t.co/PjdmCTAjow pic.twitter.com/o692J41Re4
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) May 7, 2026
“Major General Ajith Abeyawardana (WWV RWP RSP) from Sri Lanka also witnessed the closing ceremony. The troops displayed the highest standards of professional excellence during the conduct,” the ISPR said.
The Exercise was aimed at refining the drills, procedures, and techniques involved in Counter Terrorism operations through joint training, besides harnessing the historic military-to-military relations among both friendly countries, ISPR said.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka share long-standing and friendly military ties built on mutual trust and cooperation.
Both countries regularly conduct joint exercises and training programmes, particularly in counter-terrorism and maritime security, to enhance operational coordination.
Pakistan has also supported Sri Lanka through defence training, equipment supply, and capacity-building initiatives over the years.
These collaborations have strengthened ties between their armed forces and contributed to regional stability in South Asia.
