US trains military
In a series of articles Western journalists say that US military personnelare involved in the war in Sri Lanka. Former Army Commander Gerry de Silva revealed in April after a visit to America that US forces would arrive in the island to assist in the war against the LTTE.
Western military involvement in Sri Lanka has been suspected for some time. Some reports suggest that foreigners are piloting planes on bombing missions and some have been killed. Others say US special forces are providing training to the Sri Lankan military at Wirawila airbase in Hambantota District, 230 km south-east of Colombo.
The US Information Service issued a statement on 16 August denying American participation in combat operations but confirming US military officers involvement in cooperation programmes to improve training skills of Sri Lankan military personnel.
In mid-August a delegation of US State Department officials held discussions with the Sri Lankan authorities. State Department Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Philip Wilcox leading the delegation declared US commitment to prevent the use of American soil for violence against the island.
If Sri Lanka’s giant neighbour India is uncomfortable, it has not overtly denounced US military presence close to its shores. India is at loggerheads with the US over the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, alleging that it compromises Indian security.
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