Jane’s Defense Weekly reported last week that the Sri Lanka Air Force plans to acquire new aircraft. Air Marshal Udeini P. Rajapakse’s February 14th media conference was reported by Jane’s Defense Weekly thus :
“A Bell 212 and three Bell 412EP helicopters of the Sri Lanka Air Force’s No 4 (VVIP/VIP) Helicopter Squadron fly over Colombo on 4 February 2024. Sri Lanka is planning to induct new helicopters to bolster its rotary-wing capabilities.
The head of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has announced the launch of several programmes to induct new aircraft and technologies.
Air Marshal R A Udeni P Rajapaksa, Commander of the SLAF, said during a press conference on 14 February that the SLAF is moving away from its erstwhile development of major combat capabilities to focus on maritime surveillance, transport, and territorial defence.
“We do not intend to develop a huge fighting force. We need to protect our land, and [consequently], we need to have maritime domain awareness. Peace in the Indian Ocean is one of the key elements for the sustainable development of our country… Therefore, we are looking at acquisitions falling in line with [these requirements],” he said.
“We are [also] discussing with certain other countries [about the possible acquisition] of … helicopters and also some training aircraft,” Air Mshl Rajapaksa added.
The SLAF is slated to receive two maritime patrol aircraft. These include a Beechcraft King Air 350 as a gift from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and a new Beechcraft King Air 360ER Extended Range (B300) aircraft being procured from the US government under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme”.
According to Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, negotiations have already started to buy a Beechcraft from America. On the same day that Air Marshal Udeni Rajapakse held the press conference, Fox 21 News reported that the Tamils for Biden organization in the United States said US imposed stringent requirements on Sri Lanka regarding the sale of arms to the United States. Below is the Fox 21 report.
“Tamils for Biden, a collective of Tamil Americans actively involved in raising awareness and rallying support for the plight of the Tamil people in both Sri Lanka and the United States, commends recent actions taken by the United States government.
There is a significant step by issuing a memorandum that requires foreign governments receiving military aid to provide written assurances of their compliance with the laws of war. This new requirement applies to all 100 countries, including Sri Lanka, that receive weapons from the United States. The objective of this memorandum is to ensure that American weapons and humanitarian aid are used responsibly in conflict-affected areas.
It is disheartening to witness the restrictions imposed on the Tamils’ right to remember and honour their loved ones who have been affected by the long-standing conflict. Such commemoration events hold both cultural and historical significance to the Tamil people, providing a way for them to mourn and pay their respects. International concern has been expressed due to the perceived violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of speech and expression.
The US, the UK, the European Union, and Canada have echoed similar sentiments, urging Sri Lanka to align its actions with international human rights standards. Tamils for Biden appreciates the support and solidarity shown by these nations towards the Tamils and their efforts to hold the Sri Lankan government accountable for its actions.
We call on the international community to continue monitoring the situation in Sri Lanka closely and take appropriate measures to address human rights violations. The Tamil people deserve justice, equality, and the right to determine their future”
When Fox 21 reported this, US Assistant Secretary Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu said that Sri Lanka is a great comeback story. Below is Donald Lu’s statement.
“Americans love a comeback story, and in the region I work on there is no greater comeback story than the story of Sri Lanka,”
A year-and-a-half ago, Sri Lanka was in crisis with “mass riots on the streets, lines for petrol and food… the seizing of the President’s home, protesters swimming in his swimming pool”. But, Lu added, “If you have been to Sri Lanka lately, it is a very different place. Currency is stable. Goods and fuel prices are stable. They have gotten reassurances on their debt restructuring. And IMF money is flowing
Donald Lu made this statement when the American undersecretary of public diplomacy came to Sri Lanka and expressed her displeasure about the online bill which threatens the freedom of expression in Sri Lanka.
What is the comeback story of Donald Lu is saying under these circumstances? Opposition parties, including the main opposition in Sri Lanka, cannot hold protests. They are tear-gassed. Local government elections have been postponed. The decision of the court to hold the vote has been thrown into the trash. President manipulating his power on the constitution council. Its also noted 21st Amendment has become a joke. Sri Lanka’s rule of law, democracy and media freedom are in danger. Nothing in the UNHRC resolution has been implemented. The American policy regarding Sri Lanka is not clear. It is confusing.
