US soldiers in military uniform held a music concert in Trincomalee on Wednesday, as they marked their arrival on the island for this year’s Pacific Partnership exercise with the Sri Lankan navy
The exercise, set to take place over the next two weeks, will see at least 36 different events with personnel from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Peru, and Japan, alongside Sri Lankan soldiers.
"I am very excited to see our team working with side-by-side with the people of Sri Lanka," said Capt. David Bretz, the mission commander for Pacific Partnership 2018 as the US Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy docked in Trincomalee on Wednesday.
“Through Pacific Partnership, we are building bonds of trust, friendship, and partnership with the Sri Lankan people that will help us prepare together for a multitude of contingencies that our nations face with manmade and natural disasters. We are honored to be guests in this country and work beside our Sri Lankan counterparts.”
The concert by US soldiers in Trincomalee, comes despite continued concern by locals over the continued intrusion of Sri Lankan troops in daily civilian life. Tamil civil society organisations and politicians have repeatedly raised concerns regarding the militarisation of the North-East, which continues to this day.
Just this month, the US state department reported that “unlawful killings; torture; sexual abuse; arbitrary arrest; lengthy detention; lack of property restitution by the military” were the “most significant human rights issues” in Sri Lanka.
Yet, throughout 2017, several military co-operative exercises were held, including anti-terrorism training for Sri Lankan troops.
Last month, the US also announced that it will re-establish its Peace Corps program in Sri Lanka, after the program was shut down on the island almost 20 years ago. The re-establishment of the program comes amidst growing military ties between the United States and Sri Lanka.
“Pacific Partnership 2018 offers an excellent opportunity for the U.S. and Sri Lankan militaries to serve Sri Lankans in need and expand our growing partnership in humanitarian and disaster relief,” said US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap, in a press release this week. “From medical clinics to free public concerts, our sailors will bring the best of America to local communities.”
At the opening remarks for the partnership Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Hilton said the exercises “will write the newest chapter” in relations between the two governments.
“Pacific Partnership is a testament to U.S. support for a reconciled, prosperous, and secure Sri Lanka. Even more so, it is reflective of our commitment to maintain and strengthen the bonds of partnership between our countries.”