Colombo: Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) held a bilateral discussion with the Chief of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, on 31 August (2026) on the sidelines of the Chiefs of Defence Conference in Victoria, Canada: Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) engaged in talks with the Chief of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone. The meeting took place during the Chiefs of Defence Conference in Victoria, Canada.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the Defence Secretary is in Canada on an official visit to participate in the CHOD Conference. During the discussion, he outlined Sri Lanka’s needs and interests, focusing on the modernisation of military hardware and the acquisition of advanced technologies. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing cyber capabilities, surveillance platforms, and opportunities for increased technical cooperation.

The conversation further concentrated on strengthening military cooperation through personnel exchange, expanding education and training programs, and sharing expertise and information. The Defence Secretary emphasized collaboration in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), particularly the exchange of expertise and effective use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in disaster response and related operations.

Furthermore, the Defence Secretary invited NATO to enhance its engagement and cooperation with Sri Lanka, emphasizing the significance of continuous dialogue, information sharing, and practical cooperation in mutually beneficial areas.