US Embassy clarifies media reports

References in the press to US Special Forces being stationed in Sri Lanka are misleading, says the US Embassy in Sri Lanka.

The release points out that the members of the U.S. military present here, are the ones assigned to work in the US Embassy in Colombo as part of the bilateral engagement between the United States and Sri Lanka.

It adds:- The Embassy Defence Attaché is the lead representative for the US Department of Defence and those assigned to that office support programs and training that enhance cooperation.According to the release through the US Pacific Command, the Embassy has contributed $9 million since 2009 toward projects such as renovating and rebuilding hospitals and schools in communities across Sri Lanka. "The US military has recently participated in joint programs with Sri Lanka such as the Pacific Airlift Rally and Joint/Combined Exchange Training for medical and humanitarian assistance" added the release. The Sri Lankan Army also denied reports that US Forces personnel were in Sri Lanka.