Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Sri Lanka and expressed support for the country’s new governmental policies during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on March 21.
Admiral Paparo extended his best wishes to President Dissanayake and the new administration, highlighting Sri Lanka’s crucial role in ensuring security in the Indian Ocean Region and maintaining a peaceful maritime environment.
President Dissanayake expressed gratitude for the United States’ assistance in developing human resources within Sri Lanka’s defence sector, recognizing the continued support provided over the years.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony C. Nelson of the U.S. Army, and Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to INDOPACOM David Ranz.