The Times of Sri Lanka

India send off nine SLFA officers to Banglore for training

Although Indian Defense Ministry had earlier decided to send off nine SLAF officers from Thambaram Air  Force Base near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, Ministry has now shifted them to Yalahanka Base in Banglore for training, Indian media reported.

The nine month training for SLAF officers is to learn on ground handling of transport aircraft.
 
According to Indian media reports, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalaitha has strongly objected the decision of Central Government to move them to a different location in India quoting that Lankan Airmen should not be trained in anywhere in India. Other parties including DMK, a key member of the coalition at the Center had joined her.
 
Any form of military help to Sri Lanka always triggered huge objection in Tamil Nadu while Tamil Nadu political parties opposed the supply of radars to  Sri Lanka few years back. Last year a training programme for 25 Sri Lankan soldiers at Defence Service Staff College at Wellington near Ooty was also scrapped following political opposition.
 
(courtesy NDTV)