Sri Lanka has sought to deepen defence cooperation with NATO, with discussions focusing on military modernisation, advanced technology, cyber capabilities and disaster response.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) held bilateral talks with NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone on the sidelines of the Chiefs of Defence Conference in Victoria, Canada.

During the meeting, Secretary Thuyacontha outlined Sri Lanka’s defence requirements and areas of interest, including the modernisation of military hardware, acquisition of advanced technologies, and strengthening cyber capabilities and surveillance platforms, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The two sides also discussed opportunities for greater technical cooperation, including the exchange of military personnel, expanded education and training programmes, and increased sharing of expertise and information.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) was also identified as an area for potential cooperation. The discussions included the exchange of expertise and the effective use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in disaster response and related operations.

Defence Secretary Thuyacontha invited NATO to further strengthen its engagement with Sri Lanka, emphasising sustained dialogue, information sharing and practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The Defence Secretary is in Canada on an official visit to attend the Chiefs of Defence Conference.