US, SriLanka sign MoU on combating terrorism

[TamilNet, Friday, 28 October 2005, 17:02 GMT]
Government of Sri lanka and the United States of America signed a Memorandum of Understating (MoU) in Colombo Thursday to assist Sri Lanka to enhance its abilities to fight terrorism and to strengthen the co-operation between the two countries in tackling international terrorism, diplomatic sources said.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Government of Sri lanka by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, law and Order Thialk Ranavirajah and by the US Ambassador to the country Jeffery Lunstead.

The MOU makes provision for assistance to Sri lanka to provide training and technical co-operation towards enhancing the anti-terrorism abilities of Sri lanka, to deter and counter terrorism , strengthen co-operation between the two countries and to further their common interest in detecting terrorists and terrorist groups from engaging in international terrorist acts and increasing respect for human rights.

The assistance will be provided in three stages, through needs assessment, course and consultation offerings, and ongoing programme reviews.