US troops are to begin “combined humanitarian assistance and disaster relief” with the Sri Lankan military next week, as part of an annual joint exercise.
‘Pacific Angel 2018’ is scheduled to take place in and around Anuradhapura from August 13th – 18th, reports the US Indo-Pacific Command website.
“During this exercise, approximately 65 U.S. military members will partner and train with Sri Lankan service members, local non-governmental organizations and partner nations,” it added.
American and Sri Lankan soldiers will also “repair and renovate local schools” added the US embassy website.
The announcement comes as the Sri Lankan military continues to extensively involve itself in civilian activities across the North- East, despite repeated criticism and government pledges that such activities will cease. The Sri Lankan military has become particularly present at Tamil schools in the region.
“With each opportunity to collaborate, the partnership between our militaries grows and local communities benefit,” said US Chargé d’Affaires Robert Hilton. “PACANGEL represents how our expanding security partnership makes a difference in the lives of ordinary Sri Lankans.”
The United States has continued to expand its relationship with Sri Lanka, with military engagement between the two governments particularly increasing.
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