Sri Lanka has initiated discussions with NATO to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, focusing on military modernisation, cyber capabilities, and disaster response mechanisms.
Sri Lanka is seeking to expand its defence relationship with NATO, prioritising military modernisation and technological advancement. During bilateral talks held in Victoria, Canada, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) met with NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone to discuss areas of strategic interest. According to the Ministry of Defence, the discussions centred on updating military hardware, acquiring advanced technologies, and bolstering cyber capabilities and surveillance infrastructure.
Beyond hardware upgrades, both parties explored avenues for technical cooperation that would benefit Sri Lanka's defence sector. The proposed framework includes the exchange of military personnel, expansion of education and training initiatives, and enhanced sharing of expertise and intelligence between the two entities. These measures aim to build capacity within Sri Lanka's armed forces through knowledge transfer and professional development.
Disaster management emerged as another focal point during the discussions. Officials identified Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) as a promising area for collaboration, with particular emphasis on exchanging best practices and utilising unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in emergency response operations. This aspect of cooperation reflects the strategic value NATO places on assisting nations prone to natural disasters.
Thuyacontha extended an invitation to NATO to deepen its engagement with Sri Lanka, advocating for sustained dialogue and practical cooperation in mutually beneficial areas. The Defence Secretary is currently attending the Chiefs of Defence Conference in Canada as part of an official visit.