(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – In a Handing-Over Ceremony, the United States transferred equipment to the Sri Lankan Military today (12 June 2024) 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, Her Excellency Julie Chung.
The event commenced with the arrival of the Base Commander of SLAF Base Katunayake, Air Vice Marshal Deshapriya Silva, at the No. 02 Squadron Hangar.
The proceedings commenced with the address by the Defence Attaché at the United States Embassy in Sri Lanka, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Nelson. Speaking at the event, 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 highlight of the ceremony followed, featuring the signing and exchange of official documents concerning the US Government’s granted equipment with the Sri Lankan Tri-Forces. This key segment 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.
The event was attended by Commander Sean Jin, Chief Office of Defence Cooperation, Major Elizabeth Hewett, Deputy Chief Office of Defence Cooperation and other officials from the United States Embassy in Sri Lanka. Further, the Commanding Officers of No. 02 and No. 03 Squadrons, other Formation Commanding Officers and a cross-section of officers and other ranks from Tri-Forces attended to witness the occasion.
