New U.S. Ambassador Meets Sri Lanka’s Deputy Defence Minister

Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer has held his first official meeting with Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekara.

The meeting focused on strengthening the growing defence partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka, including recent U.S. assistance provided to the country.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, the assistance includes the transfer of 10 TH-57 helicopters, a fourth U.S. Coast Guard cutter, and a USD 4 million advanced satellite communications system for Sri Lanka Navy offshore patrol vessels.

In a post on X, the U.S. Embassy said the discussions also explored opportunities to build on these capabilities, enhance operational readiness, strengthen maritime security, and advance shared interests in the Indian Ocean and across the Indo-Pacific region.

The meeting marks the beginning of Ambassador Meyer's engagement with Sri Lanka's defence leadership following his appointment as the new U.S. envoy to the country.