Lt. Gen. Joel “JB” Vowell, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), arrived in Colombo today (29 September), becoming the highest-ranking U.S. Army officer to visit Sri Lanka, according to the U.S. Embassy. 

Vowell will remain in Sri Lanka until 1 October for engagements aimed at strengthening military cooperation between the two countries.

During the visit, Vowell is scheduled to meet senior Sri Lankan military officials for discussions on interoperability, military readiness and defence cooperation. Talks will also cover upcoming joint military exercises, capacity-building initiatives and cooperation on humanitarian assistance and disaster response. 

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer described the visit as a milestone in the countries’ security partnership, highlighting joint training and interoperability as areas that could strengthen their ability to respond to crises and contribute to security across the Indian Ocean.

Vowell is also expected to engage with Sri Lanka’s next generation of military leaders and discuss the role of professional military forces in supporting regional security and stability.

The U.S. Embassy said the visit builds on the U.S.-Sri Lanka Land Forces Talks held in May and reflects Washington’s continued security engagement in the Indo-Pacific. 

Vowell has served three combat tours in Afghanistan and two in Iraq. His previous assignments include commanding U.S. Army Japan/I Corps (Forward) and serving as commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria. He currently serves as deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific at Fort Shafter, Hawaii.