Colombo, Nov 03: About 30 US airforce experts have begun a joint survey of Sri Lanka's airfields to assist their local counterparts with their security, medical and engineering needs, the US Embassy said today. The US 13th Air Force's 613th Contingency Response Group (CRG) are participating in their first "subject matter expert" exchange with the Sri Lankan Airforce, the embassy said in a statement.

"During the program, the 613th CRG will exchange information on tactics, techniques, and procedures. They will also conduct a combined survey of airfields with the Sri Lankan Airforce."

The US officers could provide an assessment of the security, medical, engineering, and operations environment of a deployed location, the embassy said.
"This long-planned subject matter exchange between the US and Sri Lankan airforces is one of many ongoing programs between the US and Sri Lankan militaries, and exemplifies the strong relationship between the two nations," the embassy said.

The US has increased its military cooperation with Sri Lanka in recent years.


Washington is also supportive of the government's moves to enter in to a peace agreement with Tamil Tiger rebels who are designated a foreign terrorist group by the US State Department since October 1997.
Bureau Report