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U.S., Sri Lanka sign logistics pact

B. Muralidhar Reddy

Framework for "interoperability"

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka and the United States on Monday signed an agreement valid for 10 years, to facilitate transfer and exchange of logistics supplies, support and re-fuelling services.

The pact signed by Sri Lanka Defence Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa and the American Ambassador to Sri Lanka Robert Blake, outlines the framework for increased interoperability.

A statement by the U.S. embassy said the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) would allow the U.S. and Sri Lanka to transfer and exchange logistics supplies, support, and re-fuelling services during peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations and joint exercises.

According to observers here, the U.S. was keen on such an agreement for several years but it could not materialise for various reasons. Interestingly, there was no word from the Sri Lanka Government on the accord.

The U.S. embassy statement said Washington has signed ACSA agreements with 89 other countries. The categories of allowable goods and services include food, petroleum and transportation.

It said the provision of weapon systems or ammunition is expressly prohibited under the agreement. "Each nation's forces can support the other during contingencies, such as disaster relief or peacekeeping operations, which reduces the logistics requirement for each nation", the statement said. As per the ACSA, logistics support allowed under the agreement cannot be transferred beyond the "forces" of the receiving party without the consent of the providing party.

Valid for 10 years

The agreement will be in force for 10 years, and all transactions must be mutually agreed upon before any transfer is made.

"The ACSA will facilitate the exchange of non-lethal equipment, increase cooperation in the field and reduce the paperwork involved," Mr. Blake said.

"For example, if the Sri Lankan army had sent troops to assist in the Pakistani earthquake and needed winter coats for the soldiers, under ACSA, the United States could provide those winter coats in exchange for fuel and foodstuffs the next time a U.S. vessel made a port call in Colombo. On-the-ground cooperation between our two armed forces was evident in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster. This will enhance both nations' ability to engage in disaster relief and peacekeeping," he said.

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