US Admiral Steve Koehler’s Official Visit to Sri Lanka: Strategic Significance and Geopolitical Context

Background on Admiral Steve Koehler

Admiral Stephen Thomas “Web” Koehler stands as one of the United States Navy’s most accomplished and experienced leaders, currently serving as the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, the world’s largest naval fleet command¹. Born on April 15, 1964, in Norfolk, Virginia, and raised in San Diego, Koehler’s naval lineage and early exposure to military life shaped his aspirations from a young age. He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1982 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1986, where he was also commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC)².

Koehler’s naval career began in earnest when he was designated a naval aviator in March 1989. Over the course of his flying career, he accumulated more than 3,900 flight hours in the F-14 Tomcat and F-18 Super Hornet, with 600 carrier landings-a testament to his operational expertise and dedication to naval aviation². His call sign, “Web,” is a nod to a humorous incident involving spelling, but it has become a moniker recognized throughout the Navy.

Admiral Koehler’s command experience is both broad and deep. He has led at every level, commanding the “Pukin’ Dogs” of Fighter Squadron (VF/VFA) 143, the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5), the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), and Carrier Strike Group 9. His operational tours have seen him support major U.S. and coalition operations, including Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, Deliberate Guard, and Unified Protector, spanning theaters from the Middle East to the Balkans and North Africa².

Ashore, Koehler has served as an instructor pilot, placement officer at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, and chief of staff at Joint Task Force Horn of Africa in Djibouti. As a flag officer, his assignments have included Director of Fleet Training at U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Director for Operations (J3) at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander of the U.S. Third Fleet, and Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J5) on the Joint Staff. He assumed command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet on April 4, 2024, becoming the 65th commander since the fleet’s establishment³.

Admiral Koehler’s educational credentials further reinforce his strategic acumen. He holds a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and is a graduate of the Joint Staff College and the Navy Nuclear Power Program. His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster), and five Legions of Merit, among many others.

In interviews, Koehler has emphasized the scale and complexity of his current command, which encompasses approximately 200 ships, 1,500 aircraft, and 150,000 military and civilian personnel, covering an area of responsibility that stretches from the U.S. West Coast to the Indian Ocean and from the Arctic to Antarctica³. He is known for his focus on readiness, professionalism, and the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, aligning with the broader U.S. strategic vision for the region.

Admiral Koehler’s Role as Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet

As Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT), Admiral Koehler holds one of the most strategically significant positions in the U.S. military hierarchy. The Pacific Fleet is the Navy’s largest fleet command, responsible for advancing Indo-Pacific regional maritime security and enhancing stability across nearly half the Earth’s surface-an area of approximately 100 million square miles⁴.

The Pacific Fleet’s operational and administrative responsibilities are vast. Operationally, COMPACFLT reports to the Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), serving as the primary naval component for providing forces to support theater objectives, including deterrence, alliance partnerships, and crisis response. Administratively, the Pacific Fleet staff reports to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), overseeing personnel management, logistics, budgeting, and policy implementation³.

Under Admiral Koehler’s leadership, the Pacific Fleet has prioritized warfighting readiness, alliance building, and the integration of new technologies, including unmanned systems and cyber capabilities, to counter evolving threats-particularly those posed by China’s expanding naval power and territorial assertions in the South China Sea and beyond⁴. Koehler’s tenure has seen an emphasis on distributed maritime operations, multilateral exercises such as Freedom Edge 2025, and enhanced interoperability with allies like Japan, Australia, and India.

The Pacific Fleet’s resources are formidable: approximately 200 ships, 1,500 aircraft, and 150,000 personnel. Its subordinate commands include the U.S. 3rd Fleet (Eastern Pacific) and U.S. 7th Fleet (Western Pacific and Indian Ocean), as well as type commands for surface ships, submarines, and aviation. The fleet’s headquarters is at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, a location steeped in naval history and central to U.S. power projection in the Indo-Pacific⁴.

Admiral Koehler’s command is characterized by a focus on deterrence by denial-making it difficult for adversaries to succeed in aggression by bolstering forward defenses and allied capabilities, rather than seeking confrontation. This approach aligns with the 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy, which prioritizes defending the homeland, deterring China, and strengthening regional alliances.

Purpose and Agenda of the Visit

Admiral Steve Koehler’s official visit to Sri Lanka, from February 19 to 21, 2026, is a high-profile engagement reflecting the United States’ strategic priorities in the Indian Ocean region. This marks his second visit to Sri Lanka as Pacific Fleet Commander, underscoring the island nation’s growing importance in U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy⁵⁶⁷.

Objectives of the Visit

The stated purposes of Admiral Koehler’s visit are multifaceted:

· Strengthening Security Cooperation: The visit aims to deepen security ties between the United States and Sri Lanka, focusing on advancing collaboration in maritime security and enhancing regional stability.

· Enhancing Interoperability: Discussions are centered on improving interoperability between the two countries’ defense forces, enabling more effective joint operations and responses to regional challenges.

· Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): A key agenda item is the enhancement of maritime domain awareness, which involves improving the ability to detect, monitor, and respond to activities in the maritime environment, including illicit trafficking and other transnational threats.

· Countering Transnational Threats: The visit addresses shared security challenges such as piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, and disaster response, with an emphasis on building transparent, long-term, and mutually beneficial security partnerships.

· Reaffirming Commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: The visit is a demonstration of the United States’ long-term commitment to maintaining a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, with Sri Lanka positioned as a key partner at the crossroads of global maritime trade routes.

Itinerary and Key Engagements

Admiral Koehler’s itinerary includes meetings with senior Sri Lankan government officials and military leaders, notably the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), and the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda⁸⁹. The agenda encompasses high-level discussions on maritime security cooperation, information sharing, disaster response, and ongoing military-to-military engagements.

The visit also includes reviews of ongoing training exchanges, joint activities, and U.S. assistance programs, as well as expressions of appreciation for past U.S. support, including the provision of helicopters, patrol vessels, and humanitarian aid.

Official Messaging

Public statements and press releases from both the U.S. Embassy in Colombo and Sri Lankan authorities have emphasized the visit’s role in reaffirming the strong U.S.-Sri Lanka security partnership, the professionalism and capability of Sri Lanka’s defense forces, and the shared commitment to addressing regional security challenges⁷.

Strategic Significance

Sri Lanka’s Geostrategic Location

Sri Lanka occupies a uniquely strategic position in the Indian Ocean, situated at the crossroads of major global maritime trade routes that connect the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia. The island’s proximity to the world’s busiest sea lanes, including the main East-West shipping route, makes it a critical node for maritime commerce and naval operations¹⁰.

This geostrategic significance is not lost on major powers. The United States views Sri Lanka as a pivotal partner in ensuring the security and openness of the Indo-Pacific, particularly as competition intensifies with China and, to a lesser extent, India. The U.S. Pacific Fleet’s operational reach across half the globe further amplifies the importance of strong bilateral ties with Sri Lanka.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Indian Ocean

The 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy (NDS) marks a decisive pivot toward defending the homeland and deterring China, with a clear emphasis on fortifying the First Island Chain and building up the Pacific deterrence posture. While the NDS does not explicitly mention Sri Lanka, the island’s location at the heart of the Indian Ocean makes it a natural partner for U.S. efforts to maintain freedom of navigation, counter coercive maritime activities, and build regional resilience.

The U.S. approach is characterized by “deterrence by denial,” which involves making it prohibitively costly for adversaries-primarily China-to achieve their objectives through aggression. This strategy relies heavily on alliances and partnerships, with Sri Lanka seen as a key player in the broader Indo-Pacific security architecture.

Counterbalancing China’s Influence

China’s growing presence in Sri Lanka, particularly through infrastructure investments such as the Hambantota Port and the Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT), has raised concerns in Washington and among regional actors about potential dual-use (commercial and military) applications and the risk of “debt-trap diplomacy”¹⁰. The U.S. has responded by increasing its own economic and security engagement, including a $553 million investment in the Colombo Port’s West Container Terminal through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)-the largest DFC infrastructure venture in Asia to date.

Admiral Koehler’s visit, therefore, is not only about bilateral cooperation but also about signaling U.S. resolve to remain a key security and economic partner for Sri Lanka, offering alternatives to Chinese influence and reinforcing the rules-based international order in the region.

Enhancing Maritime Security and Capacity Building

The visit’s focus on maritime domain awareness, countering transnational threats, and disaster response aligns with both U.S. and Sri Lankan priorities. The United States has provided Sri Lanka with patrol vessels, helicopters, and surveillance aircraft, and has supported the establishment of a Sri Lankan Marine Corps and National Defense College¹¹. Joint exercises, training exchanges, and capacity-building initiatives are central to enhancing Sri Lanka’s ability to secure its maritime borders and contribute to regional stability.

Key Engagements and Statements

Summary Table: Key Meetings and Outcomes

Date	Meeting/Engagement	Sri Lankan Counterpart(s)	Main Topics/Outcomes
Feb 19, 2026	Meeting at Ministry of Defence	Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd)	Strengthening maritime security cooperation, MDA, information sharing, disaster response, review of ongoing training and aid programs⁸
Feb 19-21, 2026	Meetings with Sri Lanka Navy leadership	Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda (Commander of the Navy)	Enhancing interoperability, joint exercises, review of U.S. support (vessels, helicopters, humanitarian aid)⁹
Feb 19-21, 2026	Engagements with U.S. Embassy and Defense Attaché	U.S. Embassy officials, Lt. Col. Matthew House (Defense Attaché)	Coordination on security assistance, disaster relief, and ongoing military-to-military cooperation⁸
Feb 19-21, 2026	Public statements and press releases	U.S. Embassy, Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence	Reaffirmation of U.S.-Sri Lanka security partnership, commitment to free and open Indo-Pacific, focus on sovereignty and mutual benefit⁷

The table above summarizes the principal engagements during Admiral Koehler’s visit, highlighting the focus on maritime security, capacity building, and reaffirmation of the bilateral partnership.

Detailed Analysis of Key Engagements

Meeting with Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd):
This high-level meeting at the Ministry of Defence was central to the visit’s agenda. Both sides discussed the evolving security landscape in the Indian Ocean, emphasizing the need for closer cooperation to address emerging maritime challenges. Key topics included enhancing maritime domain awareness, improving information sharing, and strengthening coordination in responding to natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies. The U.S. delegation reaffirmed continued support for Sri Lanka in countering transnational threats such as illicit trafficking and other non-traditional security concerns. The Defence Secretary expressed appreciation for longstanding U.S. assistance, including the provision of helicopters, patrol vessels, and disaster relief⁸.

Engagements with Sri Lanka Navy Leadership:
Admiral Koehler met with Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, and other senior naval officials. Discussions focused on enhancing interoperability, conducting joint exercises, and reviewing ongoing U.S. support, including the transfer of vessels and helicopters. The meetings underscored the importance of professional military education, capacity building, and the role of the Sri Lanka Navy in regional security operations.

Coordination with U.S. Embassy and Defense Attaché:
The visit included coordination with U.S. Embassy officials, including Defense Attaché Lt. Col. Matthew House. These engagements facilitated discussions on security assistance, disaster relief, and ongoing military-to-military cooperation, reinforcing the institutional framework for bilateral defense relations.

Public Statements and Press Releases:
Official messaging from both the U.S. Embassy and Sri Lankan authorities emphasized the visit’s role in reaffirming the strong U.S.-Sri Lanka security partnership, the professionalism and capability of Sri Lanka’s defense forces, and the shared commitment to addressing regional security challenges. The statements highlighted the focus on building transparent, long-term, and mutually beneficial security partnerships that protect sovereignty and advance a free and open Indo-Pacific⁷.

Geopolitical Context

U.S.-Sri Lanka Relations: Historical and Contemporary Overview

The United States and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations in 1948, shortly after Sri Lanka’s independence. Over the decades, the relationship has evolved from economic and development assistance to a more robust partnership encompassing security cooperation, trade, and people-to-people exchanges¹².

Historical Milestones

· Economic Assistance: Since 1948, U.S. assistance to Sri Lanka has totaled more than $2 billion, supporting projects in agriculture, enterprise development, education, healthcare, and humanitarian activities.

· Security Cooperation: The U.S. has provided military equipment, training, and support for the establishment of the Sri Lankan Marine Corps and National Defense College. The Excess Defense Articles Program has facilitated the transfer of former U.S. Coast Guard cutters to the Sri Lanka Navy, enhancing its patrol and search-and-rescue capabilities¹¹.

· Disaster Relief: The U.S. has played a significant role in disaster response, notably following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, providing $135 million in relief and reconstruction assistance.

Recent Developments

· State Partnership Program: In November 2025, the United States and Sri Lanka formalized their defense partnership under the State Partnership Program, pairing the Montana National Guard with the Sri Lanka Armed Forces. This framework supports joint training, disaster response, and capacity building¹³.

· High-Level Visits: Admiral Koehler’s visit follows a series of high-level engagements, including the visit of Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, in March 2025, and the Fifth U.S.-Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue in July 2024, which reaffirmed commitments to economic prosperity, security cooperation, and sustainable development¹⁴.

· Economic Engagement: The U.S. DFC’s $553 million investment in the Colombo Port’s West Container Terminal is the largest DFC infrastructure venture in Asia, signaling a renewed U.S. commitment to Sri Lanka’s economic development and regional integration¹⁰.

Indo-Pacific Security and Regional Actors

U.S. National Defense Strategy and the Indo-Pacific

The 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy (NDS) articulates a clear pivot toward defending the homeland and deterring China, with a focus on fortifying the First Island Chain and building up the Pacific deterrence posture. The strategy emphasizes “deterrence by denial,” alliance building, and burden-sharing, urging allies and partners to increase defense spending and take a more active role in regional security.

Regional Reactions and Dynamics

· Japan and Australia: U.S. allies such as Japan and Australia have welcomed the NDS’s emphasis on collective defense and deterrence, though concerns remain about the clarity of U.S. commitments, particularly regarding “gray-zone” scenarios and the absence of explicit references to Taiwan.

· India: India’s growing partnership with the United States is reflected in joint investments, such as the Colombo Port project, and in trilateral and quadrilateral security dialogues (e.g., Quad). India views Sri Lanka as a critical partner in countering Chinese influence and ensuring regional stability.

· China: China’s investments in Sri Lankan infrastructure, including the Hambantota Port and Colombo International Container Terminals, have raised concerns about potential dual-use applications and strategic leverage. The U.S. and its allies view increased engagement with Sri Lanka as a means to counterbalance China’s influence and reinforce the rules-based order¹⁰.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy

Sri Lanka traditionally follows a nonaligned foreign policy, seeking to balance relations with major powers while maintaining its sovereignty and independence. The current government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has expressed a commitment to neutrality and regional stability, while welcoming U.S. support for economic recovery and security cooperation¹⁵.

Maritime Security Priorities

Maritime security is at the heart of U.S.-Sri Lanka cooperation. Key priorities discussed during Admiral Koehler’s visit include:

· Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Enhancing the ability to detect, monitor, and respond to maritime activities, including illegal fishing, smuggling, and piracy.

· Countering Transnational Threats: Addressing challenges such as illicit trafficking, human smuggling, and non-traditional security threats.

· Disaster Response and Humanitarian Assistance: Building capacity for coordinated responses to natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies.

· Interoperability and Training: Conducting joint exercises, training exchanges, and professional military education to improve operational effectiveness and readiness.

Recent U.S. support has included the transfer of patrol vessels, helicopters, and surveillance aircraft, as well as joint training exercises such as ATLAS ANGEL 2024 and PACIFIC ANGEL 2025¹⁴.

Historical Context: U.S.-Sri Lanka Military Engagements

Early Engagements and Civil War Period

The U.S. military relationship with Sri Lanka deepened during the country’s internal conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The United States provided military equipment, training, and intelligence support, including the donation of patrol vessels and assistance in counter-terrorism operations¹⁶.

Post-War Cooperation

Following the end of the civil war, U.S.-Sri Lanka military cooperation expanded to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and capacity building. The U.S. Navy has conducted port calls, joint exercises, and training exchanges with the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force, focusing on maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response¹⁷.

Recent High-Level Visits and Initiatives

· Admiral Samuel J. Paparo’s Visit (March 2025): The Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command visited Colombo, meeting with President Dissanayake and senior defense leaders. Discussions focused on maritime domain awareness, disaster response, and ongoing military cooperation. Admiral Paparo praised Sri Lanka’s leadership in Combined Task Force 154 and its role in Operation Prosperity Guardian, a U.S.-led operation to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea¹¹.

· USS Santa Barbara Port Visit (August 2025): The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara conducted its first-ever port visit to Colombo, hosting senior Sri Lankan officials and demonstrating the capabilities of the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed assets¹⁷.

· State Partnership Program (November 2025): The formalization of the defense partnership between the Montana National Guard and the Sri Lanka Armed Forces under the State Partnership Program has opened new avenues for joint training, disaster response, and capacity building¹³.

Media Coverage and Local Reactions in Sri Lanka

Media Reporting

Sri Lankan media outlets have provided extensive coverage of Admiral Koehler’s visit, highlighting its significance for national security and regional stability. Reports have emphasized the focus on maritime security cooperation, disaster response, and the strengthening of bilateral ties⁵⁷¹⁸.

Official Statements

Both the U.S. Embassy in Colombo and the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence have issued statements underscoring the visit’s role in reaffirming the strong U.S.-Sri Lanka security partnership, the professionalism and capability of Sri Lanka’s defense forces, and the shared commitment to addressing regional security challenges⁷.

Local Reactions

Reactions in Sri Lanka have been generally positive, with government officials expressing appreciation for U.S. support in capacity building, disaster response, and maritime security. The Defence Secretary specifically acknowledged the provision of helicopters, patrol vessels, and humanitarian assistance, as well as ongoing training exchanges and joint activities⁸.

However, some segments of Sri Lankan society and political commentators have expressed concerns about balancing relations with major powers, particularly in the context of China’s significant investments in Sri Lankan infrastructure. The government has reiterated its commitment to a nonaligned foreign policy and regional stability, seeking to maintain constructive relations with all partners¹⁵.

Potential Outcomes and Follow-On Actions

Agreements and Capacity Building

Admiral Koehler’s visit is expected to yield several tangible outcomes:

· Enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness: Agreements to improve information sharing, surveillance, and monitoring of maritime activities, including joint use of technology and platforms.

· Joint Exercises and Training: Expansion of joint exercises, training exchanges, and professional military education programs to enhance interoperability and operational readiness.

· Capacity Building and Humanitarian Assistance: Continued U.S. support for disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and capacity building, including the transfer of additional patrol vessels and surveillance aircraft¹¹.

· Institutional Frameworks: Strengthening of institutional frameworks for defense cooperation, including the State Partnership Program and ongoing dialogues at the ministerial and operational levels.

Security and Operational Considerations

The visit also addresses key security and operational considerations:

· Force Posture and Logistics: Discussions on force posture, logistics, and sustainment to ensure the readiness and effectiveness of joint operations in the region.

· Protection of Sovereignty: Emphasis on building transparent, long-term, and mutually beneficial security partnerships that respect Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and national interests.

· Regional Stability: Reinforcement of the U.S. commitment to maintaining regional stability, freedom of navigation, and the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.

Key Stakeholders and Institutions to Monitor

· Sri Lanka Ministry of Defence and Navy: Ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Defence and the Sri Lanka Navy will be central to implementing the outcomes of the visit.

· U.S. Embassy in Colombo: The U.S. Embassy will continue to play a key role in coordinating bilateral initiatives, public diplomacy, and defense cooperation.

· Regional Partners: Collaboration with regional partners, including India, Japan, and Australia, will be important for advancing shared security objectives and countering transnational threats.

Conclusion

Admiral Steve Koehler’s official visit to Sri Lanka represents a significant milestone in U.S.-Sri Lanka relations and the broader Indo-Pacific security landscape. As Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Koehler brings unparalleled operational experience and strategic vision to the partnership, reinforcing the United States’ commitment to a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

The visit’s focus on maritime security, capacity building, and interoperability reflects shared priorities and addresses the evolving security challenges of the Indian Ocean region. By enhancing maritime domain awareness, countering transnational threats, and building institutional frameworks for cooperation, the United States and Sri Lanka are laying the groundwork for a resilient and mutually beneficial security partnership.

In the context of intensifying great power competition, particularly with China’s expanding influence in Sri Lanka and the wider region, Admiral Koehler’s visit signals U.S. resolve to remain a key security and economic partner. The outcomes of the visit are expected to include enhanced information sharing, joint exercises, capacity building, and continued support for disaster response and humanitarian assistance.

As Sri Lanka navigates its nonaligned foreign policy and seeks to balance relations with major powers, the deepening partnership with the United States offers opportunities for economic development, security cooperation, and regional stability. The visit underscores the island nation’s pivotal role at the crossroads of global maritime trade routes and its importance in the evolving Indo-Pacific security architecture.

Looking ahead, the success of U.S.-Sri Lanka cooperation will depend on sustained engagement, mutual respect for sovereignty, and the ability to adapt to emerging challenges. Admiral Koehler’s visit sets a strong foundation for continued collaboration, reinforcing the shared vision of a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

References (23)

1. Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commander,_U.S._Pacific_Fleet

2. CU alum Stephen Koehler enjoys high-flying career. https://www.colorado.edu/asmagazine/2025/04/09/cu-alum-stephen-koehler-enjoys-high-flying-career

3. About Us - U.S. Pacific Fleet - United States Navy. https://www.cpf.navy.mil/About-Us/

4. Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet - grokipedia.com. https://grokipedia.com/page/Commander,_U.S._Pacific_Fleet

5. US Pacific Fleet Commander arrives in Sri Lanka for High-level Security .... https://english.newsfirst.lk/2026/02/19/us-pacific-fleet-commander-arrives-in-sri-lanka-for-high-level-security-talks

6. Top US military official undertakes three-day visit to Sri Lanka. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Feb/19/top-us-military-official-undertakes-three-day-visit-to-sri-lanka-2

7. U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander visits SL - Ceylon Today. https://ceylontoday.lk/2026/02/20/u-s-pacific-fleet-commander-visits-sl/

8. Maritime cooperation takes centre stage in U.S.-Sri Lanka talks. https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/Maritime-cooperation-takes-centre-stage-in-U-S-Sri-Lanka-talks/108-333407

9. Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda assumes command as 26th Commander of the .... https://www.news.lk/current-affairs/vice-admiral-kanchana-banagoda-assumes-command-as-26th-commander-of-the-sri-lanka-navy

17. USS Santa Barbara conducts first-ever visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka > U.S .... https://www.cpf.navy.mil/Newsroom/News/Article/4283979/uss-santa-barbara-conducts-first-ever-visit-to-colombo-sri-lanka/

10. US investment in Colombo Port: A pivotal shift in South Asian .... https://www.ft.lk/columns/US-investment-in-Colombo-Port-A-pivotal-shift-in-South-Asian-geopolitics/4-755198

11. US-Sri Lanka military ties grow as Washington pledges another vessel. https://www.tamilguardian.com/content/admiral-samuel-j-paparos-visit-sri-lanka-strengthening-us-sri-lankan-security-ties

12. U.S. Relations With Sri Lanka - United States Department of State. https://2021-2025.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-sri-lanka/

13. U.S. and Sri Lanka Formalize Security Cooperation: Montana National .... https://lk.usembassy.gov/montana-national-guard-mou-sl-armed-forces-state-partnership-program/

14. Joint Statement from the Fifth Session of the United States-Sri Lanka .... https://lk.usembassy.gov/joint-statement-from-the-fifth-session-of-the-united-states-sri-lanka-partnership-dialogue/

15. US high official visits Sri Lanka to enhance strategic ties. https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2024/12/17/ixuk-d17.html

16. Sri Lanka-United States relations - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka%E2%80%93United_States_relations

18. US Pacific Fleet Commander arrives in Sri Lanka for High ... - Newsfirst. https://www.newsfirst.lk/2026/02/19/us-pacific-fleet-commander-arrives-in-sri-lanka-for-high-level-security-talks