By: Isuru Parakrama
August 31, Colombo (LNW): The United States and Sri Lanka have launched a new phase of military cooperation focused on improving their ability to respond quickly and effectively to natural disasters and other emergencies.
Known as Atlas Angel II, the exercise began today (31) and will continue through September 04, bringing together military personnel, technical specialists and disaster-response experts from both countries. The programme is designed to develop practical skills that could prove critical during major emergencies, including those involving damaged infrastructure, landslides and hazardous materials.
Training is being conducted primarily at Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake and in Kandy. Areas covered include C-130 aircraft maintenance, urban search and rescue, incident command procedures, construction engineering and landslide operations. Participants are also receiving instruction on responding to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive hazards.
The exercise involves the Montana National Guard, the Sri Lanka Air Force and the US Pacific Air Forces, while representatives from the United Kingdom and Bangladesh are taking part as observers.
US Ambassador Eric Meyer described the exercise as a practical demonstration of the close relationship between the two countries. He said joint training allows personnel to exchange expertise and develop the level of preparedness needed to safeguard communities and maintain stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe stressed that disasters frequently require cooperation beyond national boundaries. He said the exercise reflects a growing emphasis on multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief operations, with countries working together to support affected populations.
The latest exercise is part of a longer-running partnership between the Montana National Guard and Sri Lanka, which was established in 2021 through the US Department of War State Partnership Program. Cooperation was subsequently strengthened through a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2025, covering areas including disaster response, aviation and maritime security.
Beyond operational training, Atlas Angel II includes cultural activities intended to deepen ties between the participating forces. Musicians from the US Air Forces Band of the Pacific are performing alongside Sri Lankan musicians, providing an opportunity for personnel from the two countries to build connections outside the training environment.
US officials said exercises of this nature are particularly valuable because effective disaster relief depends on coordination established well before a crisis occurs. The importance of that preparation was demonstrated during Cyclone Ditwah in December 2025, when US and Sri Lankan personnel worked together to transport essential supplies using C-130J aircraft.
With extreme weather and other emergencies capable of overwhelming national response systems, Atlas Angel II provides an opportunity for the two countries and their international partners to test procedures, share experience and strengthen their ability to act together when lives and communities are at risk.
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