The US Navy has concluded a two-week training session in Trincomalee to equip and support Sri Lanka’s underwater de-mining efforts.
Working with scan sonars and robots donated by the US Navy, the Sri Lankan Navy enhanced its ability to search, locate and provide information on any unknown items underwater, including unexploded ordnance from the conflict in Trincomalee harbour, a US embassy statement said yesterday.
“The US is committed to aiding de-mining efforts across Sri Lanka, whether on land or at sea,” US ambassador Atul Keshap was quoted as saying.
“By removing these remnants of war, we are helping ensure Sri Lankans can live and work more safely. This effort also increases the ability for the port of Trincomalee to expand its commercial operations.”
This is part of continuing US assistance for demining efforts across the country, totalling over $43mn since 1993.
Sri Lanka’s long drawn ethnic conflict ended in 2009 with the military crushing the Tamil Tigers.
