US Top Indo-Pacific head commend SL’s contribution to region’s security

U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel J. Paparo with Sri Lankan military officials

By Susitha R. Fernando   

Visiting Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Admiral Samuel J. Paparo stated that strategic positioning in the Indian ocean allows Sri Lanka to influence maritime activities crucial to the entire Pacific region. “Sri Lanka’s key position at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean is strategically vital. 
These shores border key sea lanes that connect the Pacific to the Indian Ocean to all seas,” emphasised the top US military official addressing a group of some top military brass at the National Defence College in Colombo on Thursday. Addressing some of the top military officials in Colombo, the Commander of the INDOPACOM commended the contribution of Sri Lankan military to ensure regional and international security. “I recognise the outstanding contributions Sri Lanka has made to international security, from peacekeeping missions demonstrating professionalism, to leadership in Combined Task Force 154, a point that particularly thrived for me, to the vital role in Operation Prosperity Guardian, protecting freedom of navigation,” Admiral Paparo reiterated. “This leadership showcases values and capabilities that make Sri Lanka an essential partner,” he added. “The Indo-Pacific isn’t just vital to our militaries; it’s the engine of global prosperity. 
These waters carry over half of the world’s trade, and the security environment we shape today will determine the nation’s future generations. What happens in these oceans aren’t separate areas, but an interconnected security environment across the Pacific, the Indian Ocean, in fact, all seas,” INDOPACOM head stressed. Cautioning on the challenges in the region he said that nations’ assertive behaviour threaten regional stability and international norms, directly affecting freedom of navigation vital to commerce. “We see increased military cooperation among authoritarian nations, creating strategic challenges that demand immediate attention. And this is why strengthening democratic partnerships is imperative,” he remarked.Warning on the challenged in the region Admiral Paparo warned “Nations’ assertive behaviour threatens regional stability and international norms, directly affecting freedom of navigation vital to commerce. We see increased military cooperation among authoritarian nations, creating strategic challenges that demand immediate attention. And this is why strengthening democratic partnerships is imperative,” 
.During his visit from March 19 to 21 Admiral Paparo had discussions with senior Sri Lankan government officials including the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) and military leaders.During the meeting, the Defence Secretary and the USINDOPACOM had discussed on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and regional security initiatives. The two parties had emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region through collaborative efforts and mutual understanding. The parties had reaffirmed the enduring U.S.-Sri Lankan security partnership and share the U.S. vision for regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.  
Issuing a statement on the visit of USINDOPACOM head, the US Embassy in Colombo stated “Commander Paparo’s visit underscores the United States’ ongoing commitment to enhancing security cooperation with Sri Lanka and addressing shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific,’.