USA Transfers US $ 3 Mn Worth Equipment To Sri Lankan Military

COLOMBO (News 1st); The United States of America transferred equipment to the Sri Lankan Military at SLAF Base Katunayake, marking 76th Anniversary of US-Sri Lankan Diplomacy.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa and the Ambassador of the United States to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung.

The event took place at the No. 02 Squadron Hangar.

The U.S. Embassy Senior Defense Official Lieutenant Colonel Nelson said, "Today's USD 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.”

The signing and exchange of official documents concerning the US Government's granted equipment with the Sri Lankan Tri-Forces was attended by Air Vice Marshal Deshapriya Silva, along with senior officers from the Sri Lanka Army and Navy.

The consignment for the Air Force included air mobility equipment and aircraft spare parts for No. 02 and No. 03 Squadrons, to be utilized for C-130 aircraft and specifically for the Beechcraft King Air 360 ER, which will soon be donated to the SLAF by the United States. The total value of the consignment received by the SLAF was over USD 1.6 million.