AIR CHIEF MEETS US AMBASSADOR TO DISCUSS DEFENCE COOPERATION AND MARITIME SECURITY
10:07pm on Thursday 4th January 2024
The Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, conducted a courtesy call at the invitation of the Ambassador of the United States of America in Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Julie Chung today (04 January 2024). The meeting took place at the Embassy of the United States in Colombo.
In accordance with the Ambassador's invitation, an introductory visit was held within the newly constructed US embassy compound. Subsequently, cordial discussions commenced at the Ambassador's Office, focusing on the ongoing defence cooperation between the United States and the Sri Lanka Air Force. The primary objectives were to seek assistance in achieving SLAF objectives on maritime surveillance activities and explore joint training opportunities.
The discussions specifically circled around the Beechcraft KA 360ER, anticipated to be granted by the Government of the United States. Additionally, talks were conducted under the Excess Defence Article (EDA) framework to assess the feasibility of inducting C-130H and TH-57 helicopters for the Sri Lanka Air Force in the future.
During the meeting, the Commander of the Air Force expressed gratitude to the Government of the United States for providing much-needed C-130 spares and Search and Rescue Equipment for the Air Force as a grant.
Following the substantive discussions, commemorative plaques were exchanged between the two dignitaries to mark the occasion. The event was attended by the Defence Attache of the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, Colonel Nelson Anthony and a representative from the Office of Defence Cooperation. On behalf of the Sri Lanka Air Force, the Air Secretary, Air Commodore Pradeep Piyaratne, Air Staff Officer I, Group Captain Dushan Wijesinghe, and Staff Officer Protocol, Wing Commander Naveen Gunaratne, were present for the discussions.
In accordance with the Ambassador's invitation, an introductory visit was held within the newly constructed US embassy compound. Subsequently, cordial discussions commenced at the Ambassador's Office, focusing on the ongoing defence cooperation between the United States and the Sri Lanka Air Force. The primary objectives were to seek assistance in achieving SLAF objectives on maritime surveillance activities and explore joint training opportunities.
The discussions specifically circled around the Beechcraft KA 360ER, anticipated to be granted by the Government of the United States. Additionally, talks were conducted under the Excess Defence Article (EDA) framework to assess the feasibility of inducting C-130H and TH-57 helicopters for the Sri Lanka Air Force in the future.
During the meeting, the Commander of the Air Force expressed gratitude to the Government of the United States for providing much-needed C-130 spares and Search and Rescue Equipment for the Air Force as a grant.
Following the substantive discussions, commemorative plaques were exchanged between the two dignitaries to mark the occasion. The event was attended by the Defence Attache of the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, Colonel Nelson Anthony and a representative from the Office of Defence Cooperation. On behalf of the Sri Lanka Air Force, the Air Secretary, Air Commodore Pradeep Piyaratne, Air Staff Officer I, Group Captain Dushan Wijesinghe, and Staff Officer Protocol, Wing Commander Naveen Gunaratne, were present for the discussions.
