The Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka held a film screening on the Dien Bien Phu victory and General Vo Nguyen Giap on May 5 at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) in Colombo, as part of activities to mark the 60 th anniversary of the historic triumph.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Ambassador Ton Sinh Thanh reiterated that the Dien Bien Phu victory 60 years ago is Vietnam ‘s biggest military achievement from the resistance war against the French, which lasted from 1945-1954.
The victory surprised the whole world, as the strong, experienced and modern French army was defeated by the Vietnam People’s Army, led by General Giap, he noted.
It resulted in the withdrawal of French troops from Vietnam and Indochina , leading to the collapse of the French colonial system around the world, the diplomat added.
The two documentary films chosen were ” Dien Bien Phu and the Historic Decision” and “Vo Nguyen Giap – the General of the People“.
Major General Milinda Priris, rector of the KDU, expressed the admiration of the Sri Lankan army and people for the victory. Sri Lanka has leant many useful lessons from the triumph, he said, adding that many military colleges and universities in Sri Lanka have lectured on the event as part of their strategy and tactics curriculum.
He also mentioned his deep respect for Vietnam ‘s decision to put aside bitterness from the war and focus on building a peaceful and prosperous future.
Dien Bien Phu docs screened in Sri Lanka Related image(s)
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