Bush signs budget act, barring military aid to Sri Lanka

US President George W. Bush

US President George W. Bush has signed into law the 2008 Appropriation Act where some of the provisions prohibit sale of military equipment to Sri Lanka.

In terms of the Act, none of the funds appropriated for the State Department will be made available for military assistance to Sri Lanka.

It bars the issue of defence export licence and covers the sale of military equipment technology. The only exception has been technology or equipment made available for the limited purposes of maritime and air surveillance and communications.

Reports from Washington said the ban would not apply to military training assistance provided by the US.