Highest-level U.S. military visit since 2021 to Sri Lanka looks to deepen security ties

by admin
Oct 10, 2024

The US Embassy in Colombo announced the visit of Admiral Steve Koehler, a 4-star U.S. Navy Admiral and Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, who is in the country today to "affirm the strong partnership between the US and Sri Lanka" adding that this visit is the highest-level US military visit to Sri Lanka since 2021. 

Koehler is in the country to discuss security matters related to the Indo-Pacific region and what the US wishes to have as a free and open space. He is expected to engage with senior Sri Lankan officials over some of the security challenges facing the region, on strengthening the maritime domain. The Embassy in Colombo cited that his meeting also affirms the US commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in combating transnational threats. 

Although this is the highest-level visit since 2021, the US has been keen on deepening its military ties with Sri Lanka. The Montana National Guard along with Sri Lanka's Air Force conducted a joint military exercise which according to the US mission in Colombo is to be better prepared and respond to "natural and man-made disasters". Before this, it conducted anti-terrorism security exercises in Trincomalee. The US government has also gifted air mobility equipment and cutters in response to Sri Lanka's participation of Sri Lankan Naval forces in the Red Sea Operation against Houthi rebels. 

Although it has been 15 years since the end of the armed conflict, the US has often reiterated its stance on “supporting Sri Lanka’s security and sovereignty”. The latest military donation comes despite ongoing human rights abuses being perpetrated by the Sri Lankan security forces.

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