Commander of the US Pacific Fleet To Visit Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Admiral Steve “Web” Koehler, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, will visit Sri Lanka from February 19 to 21, 2026, for a series of high‑level engagements aimed at strengthening security cooperation between the two nations.

During his three‑day visit, Admiral Koehler is scheduled to meet Sri Lankan government officials and military leaders to discuss advancing collaboration in maritime security, enhancing regional stability, and improving interoperability between the two countries’ defense forces.

The U.S. Pacific Fleet, the largest naval fleet command in the world, operates across half the globe, safeguarding critical sea routes and fostering partnerships throughout the Indo‑Pacific region.

Admiral Koehler’s return to Sri Lanka reflects the strategic importance the United States places on Sri Lanka’s location at a key junction of global maritime trade routes and highlights a shared commitment to ensuring a free, open, and prosperous Indo‑Pacific.

The visit also reaffirms the strength of the U.S.–Sri Lanka security relationship and underscores Washington’s confidence in the professionalism and capability of Sri Lanka’s defense forces.

The U.S. noted that its support focuses on building transparent, long‑term, and mutually beneficial security partnerships designed to protect sovereignty and address shared challenges—from maritime domain awareness to countering transnational threats.