Sri Lanka Navy Joined Operation Prosperity Guardian in Red Sea, says US Envoy

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka had sent one of its navy ships to to support Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea, confirmed US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung on Wednesday (28) at an event in Colombo. 

She was speaking at the Pathfinder Indian Ocean Security Conference.

On December 18, the US announced the formation of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational security mission to ensure safe transit through the Red Sea region, under the aegis of the existing Combined Maritime Forces’ Task Force 153. 

Chung commended Sri Lanka's proactive engagement in addressing global challenges, citing the deployment of one of the donated cutters to support Operation Prosperity Guardian. 

This operation, involved the Sri Lankan Navy joining a multinational coalition to safeguard commercial ship traffic routes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea from potential threats, particularly Houthi attacks, she said.

Julie Chung, reiterated the United States' commitment to enhancing Sri Lanka's capacity to safeguard its territorial waters in a recent statement. Chung disclosed that the US has donated three former US Coast Guard cutters to Sri Lanka's Navy and has offered various other forms of security assistance.

Highlighting Sri Lanka's critical role in facilitating global trade as the sole transshipment hub in South Asia, Chung emphasized the importance of securing commercial supply chains. She underscored the significance of Sri Lanka's contribution to ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods, essential for regional and global economies.

Chung further announced the US government's commitment to bolstering the Port of Colombo's capacity through substantial financing from the US International Development Finance Corporation. 

The $553 million investment aims to expand the Port's capabilities by nearly 50% through the construction of the West Container Terminal, thereby enhancing supply chain resilience and logistical efficiency.