The Arrival of US Special Forces in Sri Lanka: Timeline, Regional Impact, Geopolitical Strategy, and Implications for Tamil Justice and Accountability

US Special Forces Humanitarian Operations in Sri Lanka: Geopolitical and Tamil Justice Implications

Disclaimer

This report is prepared for academic and advocacy purposes. It synthesizes publicly available information, scholarly analysis, and policy perspectives. The findings and interpretations do not represent official positions of any government, institution, or organization. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the rapidly evolving geopolitical context means some details may change. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources and official statements for verification.

Editor’s Note

The arrival of United States special forces in Sri Lanka for humanitarian operations intersects with sensitive issues of justice, accountability, and geopolitics. This report aims to critically analyze the intentions behind the US presence, with particular attention to its impact on Tamil communities historically affected by conflict. The editorial team emphasizes that humanitarian narratives must be examined alongside unresolved demands for accountability and the broader strategic interests of global powers in South Asia.

Methodology

• Data Collection:
• Reviewed news reports, official US and Sri Lankan government statements, and international NGO publications.
• Consulted academic literature on US foreign policy, humanitarian interventions, and post-conflict justice in Sri Lanka.
• Analyzed UN documentation and human rights reports related to Tamil accountability issues.
• Analytical Framework:
• Geopolitical Strategy: Examined US military and humanitarian engagement in Sri Lanka within the Indo-Pacific strategy.
• Justice and Accountability: Assessed how US involvement interacts with international calls for accountability regarding crimes committed against Tamils.
• Impact Assessment: Evaluated potential consequences for Tamil political aspirations, diaspora advocacy, and Sri Lanka’s response to international demands.
• Limitations:
• Reliance on secondary sources due to restricted access to classified military information.
• Potential bias in government and media narratives, mitigated by triangulating multiple perspectives.
• The humanitarian mission is ongoing; conclusions are provisional and subject to future developments.

The Arrival of United States Special Forces in Sri Lanka by Air for Humanitarian Operations: 

Timeline, Regional Impact, Geopolitical Strategy, and Implications for Tamil Justice and Accountability

Introduction

The arrival of United States special forces and military air assets in Sri Lanka in December 2025, in response to the devastation wrought by Cyclone Ditwah, marks a significant episode in the intersection of humanitarian relief, military diplomacy, and the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in post-war Sri Lanka. This report provides a comprehensive, evidence-based analysis of the US military’s airlift operations, the regions and communities receiving assistance-with a focus on Tamil-majority areas-the stated and implicit objectives of the mission, and the broader geopolitical and justice-related implications. Drawing on a wide array of primary sources, official statements, UN and NGO reports, and critical commentary, the report situates the US intervention within the evolving landscape of Sri Lankan politics, international accountability efforts, and regional power competition.

1. Timeline and Method of Arrival: US Special Forces Airlift Operations

1.1. Chronology of Arrival

The United States military’s humanitarian deployment to Sri Lanka was triggered by the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall on November 28, 2025. Within days, the Sri Lankan government formally requested international assistance as the scale of the disaster became apparent, with over two million people affected, hundreds dead, and widespread destruction across 25 districts¹².

On December 7, 2025, two US Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, along with airmen from the 36th Contingency Response Group (CRG), arrived at Katunayake Air Base (Bandaranaike International Airport) near Colombo. The arrival was publicly acknowledged by both the US Embassy in Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan officials, including the Deputy Minister of Defence and the Director General of the Disaster Management Centre³⁴.

1.2. Method of Arrival and Units Involved

The US deployment was characterized by rapid airlift operations:

·       Aircraft and Units: Two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, operated by the 36th Contingency Response Group (CRG) based in Guam, supported by the 374th Airlift Wing (Yokota Air Base, Japan) and the US Marine Corps’ III Marine Expeditionary Force (Okinawa, Japan)³⁴.

·       Personnel: Airmen from the 36th CRG, logistics specialists, and support staff.

·       Logistics: The US provided not only airlift capacity but also a package of logistics-enabling equipment valued at approximately $2.1 million, including fuel trucks, forklifts, flood lights, ground power units, and portable cargo-loading platforms⁴.

The US military’s forward presence in the Indo-Pacific, and its regular joint training exercises with the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, enabled immediate coordination and swift deployment of assets⁵.

1.3. Stated Objectives and Official Mission Statements

The official US objectives, as articulated by the US Embassy, Department of State, and Indo-Pacific Command, were:

·       Humanitarian Relief: To provide life-saving assistance to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, focusing on airlifting emergency supplies-shelter materials, water, sanitation support, food, and medical aid-to the hardest-hit areas⁶.

·       Support to Sri Lankan Authorities: To work alongside the Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre and Armed Forces, ensuring that assistance is distributed efficiently and reaches the most affected communities⁵.

·       Demonstration of Partnership: To underscore the US commitment to Sri Lanka as a partner and friend during times of crisis, and to leverage the US military’s strategic airlift capabilities for disaster response⁷.

US Ambassador Julie Chung emphasized that the mission brought “airlift and logistics muscle” to help frontline responders focus on saving lives, while the US Embassy’s Senior Defence Official highlighted the importance of logistics as the “lifeline” of critical assistance³.

2. Regional Breakdown of US Assistance: Focus on Tamil-Majority Areas

2.1. National Overview of Affected Regions

Cyclone Ditwah’s impact was nationwide, with 2.3 million people exposed to flooding and over 1.1 million hectares inundated-nearly 20% of Sri Lanka’s land area⁸. The worst-affected districts included:

·       Western and North-Western Provinces: Gampaha, Puttalam, and Colombo accounted for the largest affected populations⁸.

·       Central Highlands: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Badulla suffered the highest number of deaths and extensive infrastructure damage².

·       Northern and Eastern Provinces: Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee experienced severe flooding, displacement, and destruction of homes and livelihoods⁹¹⁰.

2.2. US Assistance to Tamil-Majority Regions

2.2.1. Northern Province (Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Mannar)

·       Jaffna: Nearly 50,000 people from 15,431 families were affected, with three deaths and significant housing damage. Fifty-one temporary shelters were established, accommodating over 4,500 displaced persons⁹.

·       Mullaitivu: The coastal belt was identified as an active rescue zone, with ongoing boat and helicopter operations¹¹.

·       US Military Airlift to Jaffna: On December 8, 2025, a US military flight landed at Jaffna International Airport, delivering a consignment of relief supplies specifically for the northern region. This marked a direct US military presence in the heart of the Tamil homeland, with aid intended to support recovery efforts amid widespread displacement and destruction¹⁰.

2.2.2. Eastern Province (Batticaloa, Ampara, Trincomalee)

·       Batticaloa: Suffered major infrastructure damage, with Sevalanka Foundation and other NGOs focusing relief efforts in the district¹¹.

·       Trincomalee: Identified as a priority area for UN and NGO assistance, with significant displacement and ongoing needs¹.

2.2.3. Malaiyagam (Plantation Tamil Areas)

·       Central Highlands: Districts such as Nuwara Eliya and Badulla, home to the Malaiyaha Tamil community, were among the hardest hit, with high death tolls and extensive damage to homes, schools, and water systems¹².

·       NGO and UN Coordination: Relief efforts in these areas included food security, shelter, and restoration of livelihoods, with the US aid package supporting logistics and distribution¹².

2.3. Distribution Mechanisms and Coordination

·       Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre (DMC): Identified priority areas for aid delivery, including the North, East, and Central regions³.

·       US-Sri Lankan Military Coordination: US aircraft and personnel worked alongside the Sri Lanka Air Force to move emergency supplies from Katunayake Air Base to affected regions, as determined by Sri Lankan authorities³⁴.

·       NGOs and UN Agencies: Organizations such as Sevalanka Foundation, UNICEF, UNOPS, and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office played key roles in needs assessment, distribution, and monitoring, with US assistance integrated into broader humanitarian operations¹³¹².

2.4. Table: Summary of Regions Receiving US and International Aid

Region/Province	Major Districts	Ethnic Composition	US/International Aid Delivered	Key Notes
Northern Province	Jaffna, Mullaitivu,	Predominantly Tamil	Yes (US airlift, UN, NGOs)	US military flight landed in Jaffna; severe flooding, displacement
	Kilinochchi, Vavuniya,
	Mannar
Eastern Province	Batticaloa, Ampara,	Tamil, Muslim, Sinhalese	Yes (US, UN, NGOs)	Major infrastructure damage, ongoing needs
	Trincomalee
Central Highlands	Nuwara Eliya, Badulla,	Malaiyaha Tamil, Sinhalese	Yes (US, UN, NGOs)	High death toll, focus on plantation Tamil areas
	Kandy
Western/North-Western	Colombo, Gampaha,	Mixed	Yes (US, UN, NGOs)	Largest affected populations
	Puttalam, Kurunegala

The table above demonstrates that US and international aid, including direct US military airlift, reached all major regions affected by Cyclone Ditwah, with explicit inclusion of Tamil-majority areas in the North and East, as well as the Malaiyagam plantation regions.

2.5. Analysis of Aid Access and Equity

While US and international assistance reached Tamil-majority areas, local civil society and media have raised concerns about delays and inconsistencies in aid distribution, particularly in the North-East. Tamil communities have repeatedly highlighted the need for transparent, needs-based allocation of resources and the importance of monitoring to ensure that marginalized groups are not overlooked¹⁰.

3. US Geopolitical Strategy in Sri Lanka: Military, Diplomatic, and Humanitarian Dimensions

3.1. Military and Security Cooperation

The US military’s rapid deployment for disaster relief in Sri Lanka is rooted in a broader pattern of security cooperation:

·       Joint Training and Exercises: Regular joint exercises between US and Sri Lankan armed forces have built operational relationships and interoperability, enabling swift coordination in crises³.

·       Security Assistance: The US has provided the Sri Lanka Air Force with logistics-enabling equipment and training, strengthening the SLAF’s capacity for both humanitarian and security operations⁴.

·       Strategic Airlift Capability: The deployment of C-130J aircraft and contingency response teams demonstrates the US Indo-Pacific Command’s ability to project power and provide humanitarian assistance across the region⁵.

3.2. Diplomatic Engagement and Humanitarian Soft Power

·       Public Diplomacy: US officials, including Ambassador Julie Chung, have emphasized the humanitarian nature of the mission and the US commitment to Sri Lanka’s recovery and resilience³.

·       Coordination with Sri Lankan Authorities: The US has worked closely with the Sri Lankan government, respecting national leadership in disaster response while providing critical support⁵.

·       Leveraging Humanitarian Aid for Influence: The US response stands in contrast to the recent freeze and restructuring of USAID programs under the Trump administration, which has otherwise reduced US development assistance in the region.

3.3. Geopolitical Competition: China, India, and the US

·       Regional Rivalry: Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean has made it a focal point for competition among China, India, and the US. Each power has provided humanitarian assistance in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah-China with $1 million in aid and relief supplies, India with naval and air assets, and the US with military airlift and logistics support¹⁴⁷.

·       US Indo-Pacific Strategy: The US intervention is consistent with its broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which seeks to counterbalance Chinese influence and reinforce partnerships with key regional states¹⁵.

·       Soft Power and Humanitarian Legitimacy: By providing rapid, visible humanitarian assistance, the US seeks to reinforce its image as a reliable partner and to maintain influence in Sri Lanka’s evolving political landscape¹⁴.

3.4. Policy Shifts under the Current US Administration

·       Trump Administration’s Approach: The return of Donald Trump to the presidency in 2025 has brought a more transactional, “America First” approach to foreign policy, with a focus on strategic interests and reduced multilateral engagement. However, the US has continued to provide humanitarian waivers for disaster response, as seen in the Sri Lanka deployment¹⁵.

·       Implications for Human Rights and Accountability: The Trump administration’s record on Sri Lanka is mixed-while it previously imposed sanctions on Sri Lankan military officials implicated in war crimes, it has also deprioritized human rights in favor of security and strategic cooperation¹⁴.

4. US Presence and the Question of Accountability for International Crimes Against Tamils

4.1. Historical Context: Unresolved War Crimes and Impunity

The final phase of Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2009 was marked by mass atrocities, including indiscriminate shelling, enforced disappearances, and attacks on civilians, particularly in Tamil-majority areas. UN investigations have found credible evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by both government forces and the LTTE, with tens of thousands of civilians killed¹⁶.

Despite repeated international calls for accountability, successive Sri Lankan governments have failed to deliver credible justice. Domestic mechanisms, such as the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), have been criticized for their lack of independence and effectiveness, while international efforts have been stymied by claims of sovereignty and political resistance¹⁶.

4.2. US Policy on Accountability: Contradictions and Constraints

·       Sanctions and Diplomatic Pressure: The US has at times taken steps to hold Sri Lankan officials accountable, such as imposing sanctions on military commanders. However, these measures have been inconsistent and often subordinated to broader strategic interests¹⁴.

·       Engagement with Accused Officials: Under both the Biden and Trump administrations, the US has continued military cooperation and training with Sri Lankan forces, including those accused of systematic abuses, drawing criticism from Tamil advocacy groups and human rights organizations¹⁴.

·       Humanitarian Operations and Justice: The current US humanitarian mission, while life-saving, does not explicitly address issues of accountability or justice for past crimes. There is a risk that the US presence may be perceived as legitimizing the status quo and sidelining the demands of Tamil victims and survivors¹⁷.

4.3. Intersection with Ongoing Justice Movements

·       UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Mandate: The UNHRC has renewed the mandate of the Sri Lanka Accountability Project (OSLap), which collects and preserves evidence of international crimes and supports future accountability processes. The Sri Lankan government, however, continues to reject international involvement and has resisted cooperation with UN investigators¹⁸.

·       Tamil Civil Society and Political Demands: Tamil political parties, civil society organizations, and victims’ groups have called for international criminal justice mechanisms, forensic investigations of mass graves, and referral of Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court (ICC)¹⁷.

·       Ongoing Repression and Surveillance: Activists and families of the disappeared continue to face intimidation, surveillance, and harassment by state security forces, particularly in the North and East¹⁹.

4.4. Critical Perspectives

·       Risk of Normalization: There is concern that the US military’s visible humanitarian role may contribute to the normalization of military presence in Tamil-majority areas, without addressing the underlying issues of militarization, land grabs, and impunity¹⁹.

·       Opportunity for Leverage: Conversely, some analysts argue that the US could use its engagement and assistance as leverage to press for meaningful progress on justice and accountability, though there is little evidence of such conditionality in current policy statements.

5. Sri Lanka’s Response to International Demands for Justice

5.1. Government Statements and Policy

·       Official Welcome of US Assistance: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and senior officials have publicly expressed gratitude for US humanitarian aid and military support, emphasizing the strength of the bilateral partnership⁶.

·       Rejection of International Accountability Mechanisms: The Sri Lankan government maintains its longstanding position that domestic mechanisms are sufficient for addressing past abuses, and has opposed international inquiries, citing sovereignty and national reconciliation²⁰.

·       Limited Progress on Reforms: While the government has pledged to implement reforms, including the establishment of an independent Public Prosecutor’s office and the release of military-held land, progress has been slow and uneven. Key repressive laws, such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), remain in force, and activists continue to face harassment¹⁹.

5.2. International and Civil Society Critique

·       UN and Human Rights Advocacy: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on Sri Lanka to seize the opportunity for transformative reform and to deliver long-overdue justice for serious violations, including international crimes. The UN has urged the repeal of repressive laws and the release of long-term detainees²⁰.

·       Tamil and Human Rights Organizations: Civil society groups have criticized the government’s lack of political will and the persistent pattern of impunity, calling for international intervention and monitoring to ensure that justice is not further delayed or denied¹⁹.

5.3. Influence of US Presence

·       Potential for Positive Leverage: The US presence could, in theory, provide an opportunity to encourage Sri Lanka to make tangible progress on justice and reconciliation, particularly if linked to continued assistance and cooperation.

·       Risk of Entrenchment: However, without explicit conditionality or sustained diplomatic pressure, there is a risk that the US intervention will reinforce the status quo and allow the government to deflect international scrutiny¹⁹.

6. Impact on Tamil Political Aspirations, Justice Movements, and Regional Power Dynamics

6.1. Tamil Political Aspirations and Justice Movements

·       Persistent Demands for Accountability: Tamil political parties and civil society continue to demand justice for war crimes, an end to militarization, the return of land, and a durable political solution based on self-determination and devolution of power¹⁹.

·       Frustration with Slow Progress: There is growing frustration among Tamil communities over the lack of substantive progress on constitutional reform, land restitution, and the release of political prisoners, even under the new government with a parliamentary supermajority¹⁹.

·       Civil Society Mobilization: Grassroots mobilization, including protests by families of the disappeared and advocacy for international accountability, remains active, though activists face ongoing risks¹⁹.

6.2. US Humanitarian Mission: Opportunities and Risks

·       Short-Term Relief vs. Long-Term Justice: While US humanitarian assistance provides critical short-term relief, it does not address the structural issues underlying Tamil grievances-namely, impunity, militarization, and lack of political autonomy¹⁹.

·       Potential for Engagement: The US could use its engagement to support civil society, promote transparency in aid distribution, and advocate for the inclusion of marginalized communities in recovery and reconstruction efforts.

·       Risk of Marginalization: Without explicit attention to justice and accountability, there is a risk that the US presence will marginalize Tamil voices and reinforce existing power imbalances¹⁹.

6.3. Regional Power Dynamics

·       China and India’s Roles: Both China and India have provided humanitarian assistance in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, reflecting their ongoing competition for influence in Sri Lanka. China’s aid has been framed as an expression of solidarity, while India’s rapid deployment of naval and air assets underscores its strategic interests in the island¹⁴.

·       US Strategic Calculus: The US intervention is part of a broader effort to maintain a foothold in the Indian Ocean region and to counterbalance Chinese and Indian influence. Humanitarian operations serve as a form of soft power, reinforcing the US image as a reliable partner¹⁴.

·       Implications for Tamil Communities: The competition among external powers can create opportunities for Tamil advocacy, but also risks instrumentalizing Tamil grievances for broader geopolitical objectives. Ensuring that aid and engagement are responsive to local needs and justice demands is essential¹⁹.

7. Legal and Human Rights Implications of Foreign Military Presence for Humanitarian Operations

7.1. International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and State Obligations

·       IHL Framework: Sri Lanka is a party to the Geneva Conventions and has enacted domestic legislation to give effect to its obligations, though implementation remains incomplete and the Geneva Conventions Act of 2006 has not been fully operationalized²¹.

·       Obligation to Protect Civilians: Both Sri Lanka and foreign military actors are bound by IHL to ensure the protection of civilians, the impartial delivery of aid, and the prevention of discrimination in humanitarian operations²¹.

·       Accountability for Past Violations: IHL requires states to investigate and prosecute serious violations, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. The lack of effective accountability mechanisms in Sri Lanka remains a major challenge²⁰.

7.2. Human Rights Concerns

·       Militarization and Surveillance: The continued presence of military forces in Tamil-majority areas, even for humanitarian purposes, raises concerns about surveillance, intimidation, and the potential for abuse¹⁹.

·       Transparency and Monitoring: Ensuring transparency in aid distribution and robust monitoring mechanisms is essential to prevent diversion, discrimination, or misuse of humanitarian assistance²².

·       Protection of Activists and Victims: International actors must take steps to protect human rights defenders, activists, and victims from retaliation or harm, particularly in the context of ongoing justice movements²⁰.

8. Media Coverage and Narratives: International, Sri Lankan, and Tamil Perspectives

8.1. International Media

·       Focus on Humanitarian Relief: International media have highlighted the scale of the disaster, the rapid US military response, and the coordination with Sri Lankan authorities⁵.

·       Limited Attention to Justice Issues: Coverage has generally emphasized the humanitarian dimension, with less attention to the underlying issues of accountability and Tamil grievances.

8.2. Sri Lankan Media

·       Official Narratives: Sri Lankan media have echoed government statements welcoming US assistance and emphasizing national unity in disaster response⁴.

·       Political Debates: Some outlets have discussed the political implications of foreign aid, the role of the military, and the challenges of recovery and reconstruction¹⁴.

8.3. Tamil Media and Civil Society

·       Critical Engagement: Tamil media and civil society organizations have welcomed international assistance but have also raised concerns about delays, inequities in aid distribution, and the risk of sidelining justice and accountability issues¹⁷.

·       Advocacy for Monitoring: There is a strong emphasis on the need for independent monitoring, transparency, and the inclusion of Tamil voices in decision-making and recovery efforts¹⁷.

9. Logistics, Aid Delivered, and Distribution Mechanisms

9.1. Types and Quantities of Aid

·       US Assistance: $2 million in emergency life-saving assistance, airlift of shelter materials, water, sanitation support, food, and medical aid; logistics-enabling equipment for the Sri Lanka Air Force⁶.

·       UN and NGO Aid: Emergency food assistance, shelter support, water and sanitation, health services, and livelihood restoration, with a focus on vulnerable groups including children, women, and the elderly¹³¹².

9.2. Distribution Mechanisms

·       Coordination with DMC and Armed Forces: Aid delivery prioritized based on needs assessments by the Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre, with US and Sri Lankan military coordination for airlift and logistics³⁴.

·       NGO and UN Implementation: Trusted implementing organizations, including Sevalanka Foundation, UNICEF, and UNOPS, managed distribution in affected regions, with field presence in the North, East, and Central Highlands¹³¹².

9.3. Monitoring and Accountability

·       Calls for Independent Oversight: Civil society and international actors have called for robust monitoring to ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable, particularly in marginalized and conflict-affected communities²².

·       Transparency Initiatives: Tools such as Transparency International Sri Lanka’s GAP Tracker have been launched to monitor governance reforms and public accountability in the recovery process²².

10. Security Implications and Risk Assessment

10.1. Risks to Civilians and Aid Workers

·       Access Constraints: Flooded and damaged infrastructure, ongoing landslides, and communication failures have hampered relief efforts and posed risks to both civilians and aid workers¹².

·       Protection Concerns: Overcrowded shelters, lack of privacy, and limited access to services have increased the risk of gender-based violence, exploitation, and abuse, particularly for women and children².

10.2. Recommendations for Mitigation

·       Strengthen Monitoring: Establish independent, multi-stakeholder monitoring mechanisms to track aid delivery and address grievances²².

·       Protect Human Rights Defenders: Ensure the safety and security of activists, journalists, and victims’ groups, particularly in the North and East¹⁹.

·       Promote Inclusive Recovery: Prioritize the needs of marginalized communities, including Tamils in the North-East and Malaiyagam, in recovery and reconstruction planning¹⁹.

11. Recommendations for Ensuring Accountability and Justice

11.1. Monitoring and Oversight

·       Independent Monitoring: Establish independent, transparent mechanisms to monitor aid distribution, with participation from local civil society, international organizations, and affected communities²².

·       Public Reporting: Ensure regular, public reporting on aid allocation, delivery, and impact, disaggregated by region and community²².

11.2. Linking Humanitarian Assistance to Justice

·       Conditionality and Leverage: Use humanitarian engagement as leverage to press for tangible progress on justice, accountability, and human rights reforms, including the repeal of repressive laws and the release of detainees.

·       Support for International Mechanisms: Encourage cooperation with the UN Sri Lanka Accountability Project and support efforts to refer cases to international or universal jurisdiction where domestic remedies are unavailable¹⁷.

11.3. Inclusion of Tamil Voices

·       Consultation and Participation: Ensure that Tamil political parties, civil society organizations, and victims’ groups are meaningfully consulted and included in recovery, reconstruction, and justice processes¹⁹.

·       Protection of Rights: Safeguard the rights of minorities, women, and vulnerable groups in all aspects of humanitarian and post-disaster response¹².

Conclusion

The arrival of US special forces and military air assets in Sri Lanka for humanitarian operations in December 2025 represents a critical juncture in the country’s ongoing struggle with disaster recovery, justice, and geopolitical competition. While the US intervention has provided vital relief to millions affected by Cyclone Ditwah-including in Tamil-majority areas-it also raises complex questions about the intersection of humanitarian aid, military diplomacy, and the unresolved legacy of war crimes and impunity.

To ensure that humanitarian assistance contributes to a just and inclusive recovery, it is essential to prioritize transparency, independent monitoring, and the meaningful participation of affected communities-particularly Tamils in the North, East, and Malaiyagam. The US and other international actors must use their engagement not only to save lives but also to support the long-term pursuit of justice, accountability, and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

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References

References are provided in APA-style inline citations throughout the report. For further details, please refer to the bracketed citations in each section.

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     In solidarity,

     Wimal Navaratnam

     Human Rights Defender | ABC Tamil Oli (ECOSOC)

      Email: tamilolicanada@gmail.com