The Sri Lanka–United States Defence Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which had earlier drawn criticism for not being made public, has now been officially released, detailing the scope and objectives of the agreement signed between the two countries.
The landmark MOU, signed on November 14, strengthens defence cooperation under the State Partnership Program (SPP) between Sri Lanka’s Armed Forces and the Montana National Guard, along with the U.S. Coast Guard District 13.
The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Defence by US Ambassador Julie Chung and Brigadier General Trenton Gibson on behalf of the United States, while Sri Lanka was represented by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
Following public criticism and concerns over transparency, the full content of the MOU was released, outlining collaboration in joint training, disaster response, maritime security, cyber defence, humanitarian assistance and professional military education.
According to the official statement, the MOU formalises a defence partnership aimed at improving interoperability, regional stability and preparedness in the Indo-Pacific region. It also includes cooperation in maritime domain awareness to address trafficking, migration and narcotics interdiction, as well as military-civil coordination in disaster readiness and response.
US Ambassador Julie Chung said the agreement marks a historic milestone in bilateral relations, noting that it strengthens mutual trust and long-term cooperation aimed at peace and regional security.
Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha stated that the MOU represents a progressive step in enhancing Sri Lanka’s defence capabilities, adding that it opens new avenues for capacity building and strengthens the longstanding partnership with the United States.
The agreement also places Sri Lanka within the global network of over 115 nations partnered under the US State Partnership Program, with the first joint activities expected to begin in mid-2026, focusing on disaster response and maritime security. (Newswire)
