New U.S. Ambassador Calls on Deputy Minister of Defence

The newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Eric Meyer, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at his office in Colombo yesterday (15 Sept).

During the cordial meeting, the Deputy Minister and the U.S. Ambassador exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and discussed avenues for further strengthening the longstanding relations and defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United States. Both sides emphasized the importance of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) as an area of mutual concern, given Sri Lanka's strategic location in the Indian Ocean.

Moreover, the Deputy Minister of Defence conveyed his appreciation for the recent U.S. transfers of Coast Guard Cutter and helicopters, which have enhanced the bilateral defence partnership between the two countries. He also noted that U.S. emergency relief supplies and rescue mission assistance were crucial during the natural 'Ditwah' cyclone disaster, with relief supplies distributed to affected areas. Both sides expressed confidence that bilateral engagement would continue to further strengthen in the years ahead.