Category: Defense
USS Canberra Returns to Colombo for Second Visit in 2026
The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka appreciates the warm welcome extended to USS Canberra (LCS 30) as the Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship returns to the Port of Colombo on October 26 for a routine port call. This marks the ship’s second visit to Sri Lanka this year, following a port call in June, and underscores […]
TISL Raises Concerns Over Proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) echoes the concerns expressed by human rights actors on the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill, gazetted on the 22nd of September 2026, which proposes to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Significant concerns remain regarding its broad definitions of terrorism, expanded executive powers, administrative detention and restrictions […]
USS Tulsa Returns to Colombo for Scheduled Port Visit
USS Tulsa (LCS 16), an Independence-variant littoral combat ship, arrived at the Port of Colombo on October 7, receiving a warm welcome from Sri Lanka as the ship returns for its second visit in two years. The port call underscores the enduring U.S.–Sri Lanka maritime partnership and our shared commitment to maintaining peace, security, and […]
Counterterrorism Bill Retains Abusive Powers; Won’t Meet Commitments to EU: Human Rights Watch
The Sri Lankan government’s latest attempt to replace its abusive Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) retains numerous provisions that have enabled serious human rights violations, Human Rights Watch said today. The proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTB), which will be sent to Parliament on October 6, 2026, includes an overbroad definition of […]
U.S. Army Pacific Deputy Commander Makes Historic Visit to Sri Lanka
Lieutenant General Joel “JB” Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), arrived in Colombo today for engagements from September 29–October 1, becoming the highest-ranking U.S. Army officer to travel to Sri Lanka. His visit marks an important milestone in growing U.S.–Sri Lanka Army-to-Army cooperation. “Lieutenant General Vowell’s historic visit reflects the growing strength […]
United States and Sri Lanka Strengthen Nuclear Smuggling Detection Capabilities
The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD), partnered with the Sri Lanka Navy for a five-day workshop September 21–25 to strengthen Sri Lanka’s capacity to detect and deter nuclear smuggling. U.S. experts worked with Sri Lankan participants to develop standard operating procedures […]
U.S. Embassy Strengthens Sri Lanka’s Ability to Detect Maritime Sanctions Evasion
The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, through the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction and in partnership with the Atlantic Council, conducted a three-day training September 9–11 in Colombo to strengthen Sri Lanka’s ability to detect and respond to maritime sanctions evasion that threatens U.S. security interests and legitimate global commerce. More […]
VIDEO: India’s Defence Minister Is Visiting Sri Lanka After 38 years. Here’s Why
India is making a major push in the Indian Ocean. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s Sri Lanka visit comes at a crucial time, as tensions rise across these waters. But why is India turning to Sri Lanka now?
US -SL Partnership Seizes 463 KG of Crystal Methamphetamine in Joint Counternarcotics Operation
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Delhi Country Office and Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) conducted a successful joint operation disrupting a Pakistan-based narcotrafficking network attempting to smuggle crystal methamphetamine through Sri Lanka to international markets. Acting on intelligence developed by DEA’s Foreign Counterparts Unit Pakistan Anti-Narcotics Force Special Investigations Cell between August 14–29 on suspicious maritime […]
Cabinet Approves Publication and Parliamentary Submission of New ‘Protection of the State from Terrorism’ Bill
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has formally approved a proposal to publish the draft bill for the ‘Protection of the State from Terrorism Act’ in the Government Gazette and subsequently submit it to Parliament for legislative enactment. The decision, reached at the Cabinet meeting on August 17, 2026, remains subject to formal approval at the […]
Rosamund Pike visits Sri Lanka as mine clearance reaches one-million milestone
Golden Globe, Emmy, and Olivier Award-winning actor Rosamund Pike, ambassador to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), is visiting Sri Lanka this week as the country marks the clearance of one million landmines over the past 17 years. Her visit highlights the remarkable progress made by Sri Lanka’s mine-action sector and the importance of maintaining momentum […]
United States Transfers Ten Texas-Built Helicopters to Sri Lanka to Strengthen Maritime Security and Disaster Readiness
The United States today formally transferred ten American-made TH-57 Sea Ranger (Bell 206) helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force, delivering a major boost to the country’s helicopter training program, search-and-rescue capabilities, and the security of its air and maritime domains — a milestone that reflects the growing strength of the U.S.-Sri Lanka defense partnership. […]