St Petersburg's Artillery Academy in Historic Fortress Honours Army Chief Firing Canons

(Moscow) St Petersburg-based prestigious Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy, established in the year 1855 which uses professional expertise of scientists, constructors and budding professionals in order to groom junior officers for development of artillery, small arms and artillery science on Thursday (28) lent a hearty welcome to General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army who is in Russia on an invitation of his Russian counterpart, General of the Army, Oleg Salyukov of the Russian Ministry of Defence.

The office of the Russian Land Forces, Commander-in-Chief included the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy in the itinerary of the visiting Sri Lankan military leader, General Shavendra Silva considering its relevance and importance to the growth of Artillery techniques in the Sri Lanka Army.

After a cordial welcome, Lieutenant General Bakaneev Sergey Anatolievich, Commandant, Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy conducted him to have a look at how artillery training sessions are conducted for junior, senior and supplementary officers for the positions of battery commander and higher or to serve at artillery factories and artillery science developers.

The Academy, similar to the honours generally awarded to high level state leaders and distinguished visitors to the location, honoured visiting General Shavendra Silva by firing a few Artillery canons upon the day's military leader's arrival, showing the high regard and degree of prominence, being given to the day's visitor.

He was also shown how artillery simulators are used for training purposes thereby avoiding environmental pollution and saving money to the country. A comprehensive briefing by the Commandant and Senior Officers further enlightened the day's visiting Sri Lankan Army Chief.

Prior to the departure, the Commandant at the Academy awarded a special memento in appreciation of General Shavendra Silva’s visit to the location. The gesture was reciprocated.

The Sri Lankan delegation in addition to the Army Chief included Mrs Sujeewa Nelson, President Army Seva Vanitha Unit and three more Army personnel.

The Russian artillerists were the first in the world to develop the methods of gunfire from closed fire position and applied them practically during the Russian-Japanese war.