US trains Lanka Navy on underwater demining
U.S. Navy Technician Joshua Wilborn assists Sri Lanka Navy Divers in locating an underwater shipwreck

US trains Lanka Navy on underwater demining

October 13, 2015   03:28 pm

The U.S. Navy has concluded a two-week training session in Trincomalee to equip and support Sri Lanka’s underwater demining efforts, the US embassy in Colombo announced today.


Working with scan sonars and robots donated by the U.S. Navy, the Sri Lankan Navy enhanced its ability to search, locate, and provide information on any unknown items underwater, including unexploded ordnance from the conflict in Trincomalee Harbor. 


“The United States is committed to aiding demining efforts across Sri Lanka, whether on land or at sea,” said U.S. Ambassador Atul Keshap.  “By removing these remnants of war, we are helping ensure Sri Lankans can live and work more safely.  This effort also increases the ability for the port of Trincomalee to expand its commercial operations.” 


This recent exercise is part of continuing U.S. assistance for demining efforts across the country, totaling over $43 million since 1993.  In his October 8 meeting with the Honorable D.M. Swaminathan, Minister of Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs, Ambassador Keshap announced an additional $1.745 million in support of demining activities in Sri Lanka.  


U.S. assistance to Sri Lanka’s demining efforts have also included the transfer of safety and field equipment, surveys on mine contamination for detection and land release, and mine-clearing operations.  The United States is also leading efforts to boost Sri Lanka’s own demining capacity through training for mine disposal units in the Sri Lankan military, including the Mine Detection Dog and underwater demining programs.

  
“It was an honor to work with such a dedicated group of guys [in the Sri Lankan Navy],” said Leading Petty Officer Juan Hernandez.  “Sharing my knowledge of these systems and seeing how receptive the divers have been has truly been a rewarding experience.”

Disclaimer: All the comments will be moderated by the AD editorial. Abstain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or slanderous. Please avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment and avoid typing all capitalized comments. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by flagging them(mouse over a comment and click the flag icon on the right side). Do use these forums to voice your opinions and create healthy discourse.

Most Viewed Video Stories

Consideration of petitions against rejection of LG Election nominations adjourned (English)

Consideration of petitions against rejection of LG Election nominations adjourned (English)

New tax regulations take effect from today (English)

No further fuel price reductions possible due to IMF conditions – Minister (English)

Sri Lanka to dispatch medical team to assist Myanmar earthquake victims (English)

Revised PAYE, income taxes and other new regulations take effect

LIVE🔴 Ada Derana Prime Time News Bulletin 6.55 pm

LIVE🔴 Ada Derana Lunch Time News Bulletin 12.00 pm

Laugfs hikes LP gas prices (English)