US and Sri Lanka conducts 'Pacific Angel 2018' humanitarian assistance engagements in Anuradhapura

The United States (US) and Sri Lanka will conduct humanitarian assistance engagements with multinational partners in and around Anuradhapura from August 6 to 20 as part of Pacific Angel 2018 (PACANGEL), US embassy in Colombo said. 

PACANGEL is an annual joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief engagement that includes general health, dental, optometry, pediatrics, and engineering programs, as well as various subject-matter expert exchanges.  Approximately 65 U.S. military members will train with Sri Lankan non-governmental organizations and military forces and will jointly provide medical and engineering assistance in Colombo, Anuradhapura, and Vavuniya.

Throughout the engagement, the Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) and U.S. forces will repair and renovate local schools.  U.S. and SLAF service members will share best medical practices and provide a variety of medical services to local residents.  Health care providers from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Maldives are also participating.

“With each opportunity to collaborate, the partnership between our militaries grows and local communities benefit,” said Chargé d’Affaires Robert Hilton.  “PACANGEL represents how our expanding security partnership makes a difference in the lives of ordinary Sri Lankans.”

Now entering its eleventh year, PACANGEL ensures the region’s militaries are prepared to work together to address humanitarian crises.  Since 2007, PACANGEL engagements have improved the lives of tens of thousands of people by providing health services ranging from dental, optometry, pediatrics, and physical therapy to civil engineering programs, humanitarian aid and disaster relief and subject matter exchanges.  PACANGEL 2016 took place in Jaffna and surrounding communities.