Pakistan, Sri Lanka armies conclude major counterterrorism exercise 'Shake Hands'-II’ at Tarbela

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan and Sri Lanka Armies successfully concluded the joint counterterrorism exercise “Shake Hands-II” at Tarbela, Pakistan, further strengthening defence collaboration and operational coordination between the two friendly countries.

The two-week-long exercise, which commenced on April 27, 2026, brought together elite combat teams from the Special Services Group (SSG) of Pakistan Army and the Sri Lankan Special Forces to undertake intensive joint training in the counterterrorism domain.

According to military sources, the exercise focused on refining operational drills, procedures and modern combat techniques involved in counterterrorism operations, while enhancing interoperability between the participating forces through realistic field training and coordinated tactical engagements.

General Officer Commanding Special Services Group attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest, while Major General Ajith Abeyawardana (WWV RWP RSP) represented Sri Lanka at the concluding event.

The participating troops demonstrated high standards of professional excellence, discipline and combat preparedness throughout the exercise, reflecting the strong military traditions of both armies.

Military officials stated that “Shake Hands-II” also served as an important platform to further deepen historic military-to-military relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, while promoting mutual understanding, strategic cooperation and regional security coordination.