US, Sri Lanka to expand maritime security engagement

Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), Oct 5 (IANS) The US Navy and Marines and the Sri Lankan Navy and Marines have launched the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise in Trincomalee in the island's east.

"The US Navy is pleased to add Sri Lanka to our list of CARAT partners in 2017 as part of our larger efforts to expand both bilateral and multilateral maritime security engagement across the Indo-Pacific region," said Commodore Robert Baughman, Commander, Task Force-75.

Robert Hilton of the US embassy in Sri Lanka was quoted as saying in a statement that cooperation between the two military would continue to grow as Colombo makes progress on reconciliation, justice and human rights following the end of a dragging civil war.

The week-long exercise enhances maritime security skills and operational cohesiveness among participating forces.

CARAT training encompasses small boat operations, evidence collection, diving procedures and anti-terrorism security.

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