The Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, visited Colombo from 19 to 21 March 2025, reinforcing the growing military relationship between the United States and Sri Lanka.
During his visit, Admiral Paparo held meetings with key Sri Lankan officials, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, and senior defence leaders, signalling an intensifying defence partnership despite the legacy of human rights abuses.
The US Embassy in Colombo framed the visit as part of efforts to strengthen the "U.S.-Sri Lankan security partnership" and advance "regional stability in the Indo-Pacific". According to official statements, discussions focused on maritime domain awareness, disaster response, and ongoing military cooperation.
Admiral Paparo also visited Sri Lanka Navy Ship (SLNS) Vijayabahu — one of three former US Coast Guard cutters transferred to Sri Lanka, now used for maritime patrols and humanitarian efforts. A fourth cutter is expected in 2026, alongside other U.S. military support such as the recent transfer of a Beechcraft King Air surveillance aircraft.
The visit marks a notable step in what US officials describe as a deepening security alliance, which includes Sri Lanka’s leadership of Combined Task Force 154, a multinational maritime training initiative headquartered in Bahrain. In January 2025, Sri Lanka assumed command of CTF 154, which conducts maritime training across the Middle East. During his visit, Admiral Paparo praised Sri Lanka’s role in regional security operations and addressed students at the National Defence College, extolling the island’s “strategic location” in the Indian Ocean and the importance of “trusted partnerships.”
“I recognize the outstanding contributions Sri Lanka has made to international security—from peacekeeping missions, demonstrating professionalism, to leadership in Combined Task Force 154, a point of particular pride for me, to the vital role in Operation Prosperity Guardian, protecting freedom of navigation,” said Admiral Paparo, at a speech at Sri Lanka’s National Defense College. He was referring to Sri Lanka’s role in Operation Prosperity Guardian, a United States-led military operation formed in December 2023 to respond to Houthi-led attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
“This leadership showcases values and capabilities that make Sri Lanka an essential partner,” he continued
“Security is not about hardware or technology; it’s about trusted partnerships that are based on mutual respect. And that’s why this relationship between the United States, Sri Lanka, and the other partners in the room—Saudi Arabia, Oman, and like-minded partners—is absolutely critical. We back our commitments with action, with shared intelligence capabilities, with joint and combined exercises, with professional military education, with advanced technology partnerships, and we together deliver real security results.”
The growing military ties have drawn criticism, particularly in light of past and ongoing abuses committed by Sri Lankan security forces. While the US has sanctioned senior Sri Lankan military figures — including Shavendra Silva and Wasantha Karannagoda - for their role in atrocities, the broader military relationship has expanded significantly under successive administrations.
