British Defence Adviser to Sri Lanka Meets Deputy Minister of Defence
March 28, 2025The British Defence Adviser (DA) to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Colonel Darren Woods, met with the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at his office in Colombo on Tuesday (Mar 25).
During their meeting, the two officials engaged in a cordial discussion, reaffirming the strong bilateral relations between their nations. The Deputy Minister reiterated Sri Lanka's commitment to shared values and extended cooperation, expressing his appreciation for the training opportunities and technical assistance provided by the UK government for Sri Lankan defence personnel.
Major General Jayasekara (Retd) also conveyed his gratitude for the recently signed bilateral agreement between the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) and the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO). He emphasized that this agreement would enhance national security, generate economic benefits and strengthen Sri Lanka’s hydrographic self-reliance. The strategic agreement ensures the protection of the country's maritime data while securing financial and technological advantages.
Colonel Woods reaffirmed the UK’s ongoing support in training, capacity-building initiatives in Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and the exchange of expertise in defence reviews. Additionally, he announced that a high-level delegation, including members of the House of Lords and the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in May 2025.
