United States and Sri Lanka are addressing defence related issues jointly further strengthening the existing friendly relation in is field.
The two countries held talks today on defence related issues, including preventing transnational crime.
The Defence Ministry said that issues related to transnational crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and its prevention and training required were also discussed.
The United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Alaina B. Teplitz made a courtesy call on Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne yesterday (Sep 11).
At the discussion Ambassador Teplitz praised the government’s efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus in the country, the Defence Ministry said.
She also commended the effective measures taken by the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force to control the fire on-board the oil tanker, MT New Diamond.
According to official sources the United States looks forward to continued counterterrorism cooperation.
The two countries are also discussing a $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact supporting Sri Lanka’s economic development.
The United States also provided $39 million in Foreign Military Financing to enhance Sri Lanka’s maritime domain awareness.
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the United States has provided over $5 million in assistance to Sri Lanka to date.
Bilateral military cooperation continues to promote a more safe and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region, particularly through maritime cooperation.
Key activities include U.S. Navy port calls, a partnership with the Sri Lanka Navy to establish a Sri Lankan Marine Corps and support to stand up a National Defense College for senior military officials,
Navy and Air Force nd exercises with the Sri Lankan to build cooperation on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and maritime security issues toward a safe and prosperous Indo-Pacific are among the other areas of corporation ,defence officials said. .
In addition, the U.S. Navy has donated former U.S. Coast Guard high endurance cutters through the Excess Defense Articles Program, which have bolstered Sri Lanka’s ability to patrol its territorial waters, interdict illegal goods, and provide search and rescue support to civilian vessels.
(LIN)