U.S. donates Rs. 674 million worth equipment to Sri Lanka Air Force to Support Maritime Security

The United States has donated equipment worth 674 million rupees ($6 million) to Sri Lanka Air Force to enhance maritime security.

Ms. Valerie Fowler, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy and Major General Darryll Wong, and Commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard presented the donation to Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetileke, at a ceremony held in Ratmalana Air Base today.
A statement released by the Embassy said the hardware, including data links for two Beechcraft 200 aircraft, enables real time imagery that has assisted Sri Lanka in providing humanitarian assistance and responding to natural disasters such as floods.
The equipment also assists the Sri Lanka military in ensuring the safety and security of Sri Lanka's territorial waters.
"The U.S. supports Sri Lanka in its efforts to combat human trafficking, piracy, terrorism, narcotics smuggling and other transnational crime. Safe and secure seas are in the interests of both our countries," the statement said.

After the donation, Valerie Fowler, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy and Major General Darryll Wong, Chief of Staff and Commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard shake hands with Air Chief Marshal Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke.