CARAT – 2026 concludes on successful note in Trincomalee

The Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2026 (CARAT- 26) combined exercise between United States Navy and Sri Lanka Navy concluded on a successful note in Trincomalee today, 31 July 2026.

The closing ceremony of the exercise took place at the Sri Lanka Navy Marine Headquarters in Sampoor. The event was attended by the Acting Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Commodore Dhanesh Pathberiya and the Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew House.

CARAT - 26 was conducted jointly by the Sri Lanka Navy, the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard and the Sri Lanka Air Force. The exercise focused on enhancing the participating forces' to work together in support of maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and a safer, more secure Indian Ocean.

The exercise also provided an opportunity for participants to exchange operational insights, skills and professional experience, contributing to greater interoperability among the participating forces.

The closing ceremony was attended by service personnel representing the Sri Lanka Navy, the Sri Lanka Air Force, the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard.