PACAF Commander meets Deputy Defence Minister

Colombo, June 23 (Daily Mirror) - General Kevin B. Schneider, Commander of the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), paid a courtesy call on Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence in Colombo on Monday as part of his three-day official visit to the country from June 21 to 24.

During the meeting, Deputy Minister Jayasekara welcomed the high-level engagement, emphasizing its importance in strengthening the longstanding relationship between Sri Lanka and the United States and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The Deputy Minister expressed appreciation for the extensive humanitarian assistance provided by the United States following the recent “Ditwah” natural disaster. He noted that U.S. support—including humanitarian aid, financial assistance, airlift operations, and logistical coordination—had played a significant role in supporting Sri Lanka’s relief and recovery efforts.

Jayasekara also thanked the U.S. Government for its continued support in strengthening Sri Lanka’s national security framework, particularly through initiatives aimed at improving Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) capabilities.

Among the key areas discussed was the recent donation of ten TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters by the United States. The Deputy Minister said the helicopters would enhance Sri Lanka’s operational readiness and contribute to both defence operations and humanitarian assistance missions.

The two sides also exchanged views on expanding bilateral defence cooperation and explored potential avenues for future collaboration in the space domain, highlighting growing opportunities for partnership in strategic and technological fields.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Pacific Air Forces and the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, including Defence Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Matthew House.