Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekera, during bilateral discussions with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles, thanked the Australian Government for support provided for the armed forces, including continuing a multi-million-dollar fuel grant to the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) since 2022. Australian High Commissioner in Colombo Paul Stephens also joined the discussions.
The Australian grant has enabled the SLN and SLAF to continue operations meant to curb illegal migration to Australia. The assistance is in line with Operation Sovereign Borders (OSB), a military-led operation launched in September 2013.
According to the Ministry of Defence press release, the Deputy Minister also appreciated the donation of a KA-350 Beechcraft to the SLAF and a state-of-the-art Shallow Water Multibeam Echo Sounder (SWMBES) to the SLN Hydrographic Service.
The meeting underscored the strong and ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries, with particular focus on maritime security and efforts to combat transnational crime in the Indian Ocean. Both sides recognised the critical importance of enhanced collaboration among regional and international partners through shared resources, intelligence, and best practices to effectively address evolving maritime challenges. They further agreed to deepen cooperation within regional frameworks and expand joint efforts in knowledge exchange and capacity building.
The visit underscored the shared commitment of both countries to promoting peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region through enhanced defence cooperation and strategic dialogue, the MoD said.
During the June 3 visit, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia paid courtesy calls on President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath.
The Foreign Ministry said that the courtesy calls on the President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism focused on strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship between Australia and Sri Lanka in several areas, including in the political, economic, and security spheres. Foreign Minister Herath noted the rich people-to-people contacts between the two countries as one of the most important highlights of the bilateral relationship. Minister Herath, underscoring the importance of the tourism industry as a crucial driver for reviving Sri Lanka’s economy, invited Australian travellers to consider Sri Lanka as a preferred destination.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Marles appreciated the progress made by Sri Lanka in advancing stability, development, and regional cooperation. He reaffirmed Australia’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s efforts in these areas and underscored the importance of sustained collaboration to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the region.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attended a special luncheon hosted at Australia House in honour of Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, where she was welcomed as the Chief Guest. In her address to the gathering, Prime Minister Amarasuriya highlighted the importance of advancing the economic partnership between Sri Lanka and Australia. She also emphasised Sri Lanka’s keen interest in further diversifying and deepening trade and economic ties with Australia.
