Admiral Koehler and Defence Secretary Thuyacontha Deliberate on Elevated Maritime Strategy

The Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet, Admiral Stephen T. Koehler, held a high-level meeting with Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence on 19 February. During the cordial deliberations, both sides examined the evolving security landscape in the Indian Ocean Region, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced maritime domain awareness, robust information sharing, and strengthened coordination to respond to natural disasters and humanitarian contingencies.

The U.S. delegation reaffirmed its steadfast support to Sri Lanka in addressing transnational threats, including illicit trafficking and other non-traditional security challenges. Both sides also reviewed ongoing engagements between the U.S. and Sri Lankan armed forces, encompassing training exchanges and joint activities.

Air Vice Marshal Thuyacontha expressed his sincere appreciation to the Government of the United States for its longstanding assistance and generous contributions, specifically acknowledging the provision of TH-57 Sea Ranger 10 helicopters, the B-Type Reliance Class 210-foot Cutter, and humanitarian aid during the Ditwah cyclone. He further lauded continued support extended through various disaster relief and humanitarian initiatives.

Officials from the United States Embassy in Sri Lanka, including Defence Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Matthew House, were also present at the discussions.