Admiral Koehler arrived in Sri Lanka on 19 February for a three-day official visit. The visiting four-star U.S. Navy Admiral received a warm welcome upon his arrival at Navy Headquarters and was accorded a Guard of Honour in keeping with time-honoured naval traditions.
Subsequently, the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet was ushered by the Navy Commander for bilateral discussions, which focused on advancing cooperation in maritime security, promoting regional stability, and enhancing collaboration and interoperability between the two navies.
During the meeting, Admiral Koehler was apprised of the Sri Lanka Navy’s ongoing efforts and preparedness in contributing towards a secure and stable maritime environment, as well as its continued commitment to engaging constructively with partners in promoting the lawful and sustainable use of the oceans.
Officials from the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, the Chief of Staff of the Navy, and a group of senior officers from Navy Headquarters were present at the occasion. The discussions concluded with a customary exchange of mementoes symbolizing the shared values and cooperative spirit between the two sides.