Australia and Sri Lanka to further strengthen defence related ties
September 23, 2021Acting High Commissioner for Australia in Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Amanda Jewell met Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) at the Defence Ministry in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, today (Sep 23).
Following a warm reception, the Sri Lankan Defence Secretary held discussions with the Acting Australian High Commissioner on matters of bilateral importance and mutual relevance including avenues to further strengthen interstate coordination to maintain the stability of regional security.
The importance of collective efforts to nullify non-traditional security threats and elimination of extremism were discussed during the session and Gen. Gunaratne assured Sri Lanka’s fullest cooperation with all the regional and extra-regional countries for the cause.
He further affirmed, we as a neutral state are performing a silent role for the benefit of the region and will not allow Sri Lankan territory to be used as a launching pad for any illegal activity by exploiting its strategic location.
All efforts undertaken to cripple the drug smuggling ring deploying the country's naval and other law enforcing agencies were commended by the Australian envoy.
Gen. Gunaratne went on saying the gains over such efforts to regional platforms during the session.
Action initiated to eradicate extremism and efforts undertaken by naval assets to thwart human trafficking were also praised by the visiting high officials.
Both parties assured to further strengthen the existing defence ties.
Australian Defence Attaché Captain Ian Cain and First Secretary / Inspector of Australian Border Force, Department of Home Affairs Brett Zehnder were also present at the fruitful discussion.
The meeting was held in keeping with the healthcare procedures to contain the spread of COVID-19.
