Sri Lanka and the United States signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today (14 November), strengthening defence cooperation under the State Partnership Program (SPP).
The MoU was signed by U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung and Brigadier General Trenton Gibson on behalf of the United States, while Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) represented Sri Lanka. Deputy Defence Minister Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) delivered the opening remarks at the ceremony.
The agreement deepens collaboration between the Montana National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard District 13, and Sri Lanka’s Armed Forces in several key areas, including joint training, disaster response, maritime security, cyber defence, and humanitarian assistance.
Statements from Officials
At the signing, Ambassador Julie Chung highlighted the importance of the strengthened partnership, noting that the Montana National Guard’s long-standing experience in disaster relief and international peacekeeping aligns closely with Sri Lanka’s security needs. She said the MoU reinforces the shared commitment to a secure Indo-Pacific region through trust and cooperation.
Defence Secretary Thuyacontha described the agreement as a progressive step that will enhance Sri Lanka’s defence capabilities while further solidifying ties between the two nations. He emphasized that years of cooperation in training, disaster response, and defence exchanges have fostered trust and mutual understanding.
Brigadier General Trenton Gibson expressed honour in partnering with Sri Lanka, stating that the collaboration will build strength, trust, and long-term bonds that improve national security for both countries.
A Partnership Built on Shared Goals
The Montana–Sri Lanka partnership, established in 2021, takes a significant leap forward with this MoU, setting a formal framework for deeper cooperation. The Montana National Guard brings extensive experience in disaster management, homeland security, and international defence partnerships.
Over the past three years, both sides have worked closely through joint training, expert exchanges, and humanitarian projects such as ATLAS ANGEL 2024 and PACIFIC ANGEL 2025. Additionally, in August 2025, Sri Lanka Coast Guard officers received training in Seattle on oil spill response and hazardous waste handling under the SPP framework.
Looking Ahead
With this MoU, Sri Lanka becomes part of a global network of 115 nations partnered with U.S. state National Guards. The first set of joint activities under the new agreement is scheduled for mid-2026, focusing on disaster response, maritime domain awareness, and professional military education.
Key areas of future cooperation include:
Joint training and professional exchanges
Maritime domain awareness and counter-trafficking operations
Crisis response and humanitarian assistance
Aviation operations
Military and civil disaster preparedness and response
The SPP, launched in 1993, connects U.S. state National Guards with partner militaries worldwide to support defence modernization, civil-military preparedness, and critical infrastructure protection.
The Montana National Guard, headquartered in Helena, plays a dual role in U.S. defence and international peace-building. Its partnership with Sri Lanka reflects a shared commitment to global security, resilience, and cooperation.
