US delegation in Sri Lanka for top level defence talks

A 20-member US delegation team comprising high-level defence officials arrived in the country in two special aircraft of the United States Air Force last night at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), the Daily Mirror learns.

The delegation includes US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah Royal.

It was reported that the security in and out of the Bandaranaike International Airport and its surrounding areas had been tightened during the last few days due to the arrival of the US delegation team.

The delegation arrived at the BIA aboard Boeing C-17 Globemaster III special aircraft.

An official of the Airport said that this visit was a top level defence discussion.

The delegation was escorted to Colombo from the BIA amid tight security and the lane towards Colombo at the Colombo - Katunayake Expressway had been closed for traffic during their arrival.

It was reported the delegation is scheduled to meet top Sri Lanka security officials during the visit. (Kelum Bandara and Darshana Sanjeewa Balsuriya)