The military have a crucial role to play in Sri Lanka’s commitment to addressing long-standing issues of reconciliation, accountability and human rights. The UK is supporting the Sri Lankan government in these efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous and united future.

The appointment of a UK non-resident Defence Advisor for Sri Lanka was announced last year following a meeting between President Maithripala Sirisena and UK Prime Minister David Cameron at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta.  

The newly-appointed non-resident Defence Advisor for Sri Lanka, Captain Stuart Borland RN, visited Sri Lanka last week. At the invitation of the Sri Lanka Navy, he and Deputy High Commissioner Laura Davies toured the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) in Trincomalee.  Captain Borland also laid a wreath at the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery in Trincomalee. 

In Colombo, Captain Borland accompanied the High Commissioner to Sri Lanka H.E James Dauris, to meetings with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Commanders of the Army, Navy and Air Force. Captain Borland also accompanied a delegation from the UK Ministry of Defence, led by Deputy Head of International Policy and Plans (Military) Patricia Parkin, to meetings with representatives from the Ministry of Defence, civil society and the diplomatic community.  Discussions focused on opportunities for defence engagement activities in areas of mutual interest and concern. 

Captain Borland said: “ I very much look forward to working with all three Services of the Armed Forces through defence engagement activities designed to support the Sri Lankan Government’s commitments to reconciliation, accountability and human rights.”

Top US defence official visits Sri Lanka

Commander of US Special Operations Command, Pacific (SOCPAC) Rear Admiral Colin J. Kilrain concluded his four-day visit to both the Maldives and Sri Lanka, from 20-23 April.

During his visit, RADM Kilrain discussed the future role both the Maldives and Sri Lankan security forces could play in humanitarian assistance, responding to natural disasters, and increased security cooperation operations.  

“The United States remains committed to strengthening maritime security relationships to ensure free and safe navigation in the Indian Ocean’s vital shipping lanes,” said US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Atul Keshap.

RADM Kilrain’s Malé visit to the Maldives National Defence Force coincided with the organisation’s 124th anniversary.  He then arrived in Colombo on Bak Full Moon Poya and met with his Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force counterparts the following day.