September 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and the United States have discussed ways to broaden practical cooperation in disaster management, infrastructure resilience and defence during high-level talks in Canada.
Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), met General Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the United States National Guard Bureau, to consider measures aimed at improving the country’s capacity to respond to emergencies and strengthen institutional resilience.
A key focus of the meeting was disaster preparedness, including opportunities to develop and acquire specialised equipment and capabilities for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Such cooperation could help enhance Sri Lanka’s ability to respond more effectively to natural disasters and other emergencies.
The Sri Lankan delegation also stressed the value of maintaining regular communication with Washington, with the Defence Secretary calling for greater bilateral engagement and continued discussions on areas where the two countries could work together.
The talks highlighted a mutual interest in strengthening disaster-response capabilities while gradually expanding practical defence cooperation. Both sides also recognised the potential for closer institutional ties to support humanitarian operations and improve preparedness for future emergencies.
