The United States has transferred $3 million worth of equipment to the Sri Lankan military in a ceremony marking the 76th anniversary of US-Sri Lankan diplomatic relations. The event took place at SLAF Base Katunayake in the No. 02 Squadron Hangar.
The ceremony was attended by Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Commander of the Air Force, and Julie Chung, the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka. The US Embassy’s Senior Defense Official, Lieutenant Colonel Nelson, highlighted the significance of this transfer in enhancing regional security and bilateral ties.
“ $3 million equipment transfer marks another important milestone in our long-standing partnership with Sri Lanka. Enhancing Sri Lanka’s security contributes to regional stability and peace, benefiting everyone. We’re proud to support initiatives that strengthen our ties in ways that help Sri Lanka safeguard their waters, promote regional security, and ensure the prosperity and safety of the Sri Lankan people,” said Lieutenant Colonel Nelson.
The equipment, valued over $1.6 million for the Air Force alone, includes air mobility equipment and aircraft spare parts for C-130 aircraft and the Beechcraft King Air 360 ER, which will soon be donated to the SLAF by the United States. Senior officers from the Sri Lanka Army and Navy, including Air Vice Marshal Deshapriya Silva, were also present for the signing and exchange of official documents.