The United States military concluded their four day Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) maritime exercise with the Sri Lankan Navy, which included training in “anti-terrorism security”, in Trincomalee.
Senior Defense Official at the U.S. Embassy Anthony Nelson said “CARAT aims to enhance the ability of our navies to defend our own nations and uphold the international standards that serve our mutual interests.”
The Sri Lanka Navy stated on its website that it “stands to benefit significantly from the exchange of new knowledge, skills, and experiences during these exercises.”
They added that the joint maritime exercise included activities such as "rescuing hostages, handling arrested individuals, tracking, weapon handling, showcasing native plants of Sri Lanka, handling snakes, conducting exercises with Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS), Explosive Ordnance Disposal exercises (EOD), and firing exercises."
Senior Sri Lankan Navy Commanders and former Navy commanders stand accused of being complicit in serious crimes including torture, disappearances and murders. A report published by the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP), details the formerly secret Navy Torture Camp located in Trincomalee, known as the “gun site” or “Gota’s Camp”.
Trincomalee in the North-East is one of the most militarised provinces in the country which has a large garrison of Sri Lanka's army, navy, and airforce. Large swathes of the military continue to occupy land across the North-East despite the armed conflict ending 15 years ago.
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