Archives
Defence Ministry Backs Strict Crackdown on Organized Crime and
Recovering of Illegal Firearms
The Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed its commitment to the strict enforcement of the law against members of organised crime gangs. This stance was highlighted during a special media briefing chaired by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), held at the Government Information Department today (February 22), to raise awareness about the government's efforts to combat the recent surge in criminal activities by these gangs across the island.
Tri-Forces Support National Initiative to Refurbish 1,000 Schools under
''Clean Sri Lanka'' Program
A nationwide school cleaning and restoration program has been launched as part of the government’s "Clean Sri Lanka" initiative, led by His Excellency the President under the full supervision of the Ministry of Defence. This effort aims to clean school premises and refurbish essential equipment, including worn-out desks and chairs, across 1,000 selected schools during February and March 2025.
Deputy Minister of Defence graces Defender of the Fatherland's Day ceremony
Gracing the "Defender of the Fatherland's Day" ceremony at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo on Wednesday, (Feb 19), Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) emphasized the enduring and evolving nature of the relationship between the Russian Federation and Sri Lanka, which has flourished since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1957.
Australia delivers Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo Sounder
to strengthen Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities
Giving a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities, the government of Australia handed over a state-of-the-art Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo Sounder to the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) during a ceremony held at SLNS Rangalla today (18 Feb 25). The formal ceremony was held under the auspices of the High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Paul Stephens and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, marking new chapter in the discipline of hydrography.
'Flying Fish’ TTX Enhances Sar Cooperation Between SLAF and JASDF
The Flying Fish Table Top Exercise (TTX), a capacity-building coordination programme between Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) and Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), was successfully conducted at No. 8 Squadron, SLAF Base Ratmalana, from 11 to 13 February 2025. This collaborative exercise was conducted with the participation of a Japanese delegation, pilots representing No. 1 Flying Training Wing (FTW), No. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 Squadrons and SLAF Regiment Special Forces (RSF) personnel.
Sri Lanka Army Hosts Successful CISM Run 2025 to Mark World Military Day
In line with World Military Day, the Sri Lanka Army successfully hosted the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) run on 18 February 2025. Over 300 Tri-Service personnel participated in the event, which aimed to highlight the importance of physical fitness, military preparedness and international camaraderie among armed forces worldwide.
Special Discussion on the Enshrining of Relics and Treasures of Neelagiri Stupa
Under the renovation project of the Neelagiri Stupa, arrangements are being made to hold a grand ceremony to enshrine the sacred relics and treasures of the Neelagiri Maha Seya in its relic chamber on March 04, (2025).
Workshop to train trainers of the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme
A two-day workshop to train 150 selected members of the Tri Forces and the Sri Lanka Police as trainers to properly implement the “Clean Sri Lanka” program commenced today (February 18) at the Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regimental Center premises in Panagoda. Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyakontha (Retd) while delivering the welcome address welcomed all the participating officers to the programme.
Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association Marks 80 Years of Service
The Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association (SLESA) commemorated its 80th anniversary on Sunday (Feb 16) with a grand celebration at the Tamarind Banquet Hall in Delgoda. The event was held under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), who was warmly welcomed by SLESA President, Lieutenant Colonel Ajith Siyambalapitiya (Retd).
Indonesian Naval Ship KRI BUNG TOMO - 357 calls at the port of Colombo
The Indonesian Naval Ship KRI BUNG TOMO - 357 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit yesterday (Feb 16). The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship in compliance with naval traditions, Navy media says.
Defence Secretary Inaugurates 8th Annual Academic Sessions of the
Sri Lanka College of Military Medicine
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) graced the inauguration of the 8th Annual Academic Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Military Medicine (SLCOMM) as the Chief Guest. The prestigious event took place yesterday (Feb 14) at Hotel Galadari in Colombo.
Outgoing NCC Director Bids Farewell to Defence Secretary
Outgoing Director of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Major General Sudantha Fonseka, paid a farewell visit to Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Defence Ministry in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, today (Feb 14).
Deputy Minister of Defence Visits Air Force Headquarters
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), paid his inaugural visit to the Air Force Headquarters on Thursday (Feb 13). Upon arrival, he was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour and warmly welcomed by the Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Sri Jayewardenepura.
Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom Strengthen Hydrographic
Collaboration with Landmark Bilateral Arrangement
Marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey towards enhancing its hydrographic capabilities, the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) and the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) have signed a landmark Bilateral Arrangement. The agreement was formalized at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte today (Feb 14) and is aimed at fostering cooperation in hydrography, including knowledge exchange, capacity building, technical collaboration and revenue generation through the sale of Sri Lanka’s hydrographic products to the international market.
11th Contingent of SRIMED Level-2 Hospital Departs for UN
Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan
The 11th contingent of the Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps (SLAMC) has embarked on its mission to serve at the Level-2 SRIMED Hospital under the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday (13).
Deputy Minister of Defence Visits Civil Security Department Headquarters
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), paid an official visit to the Civil Security Department (CSD) Headquarters in Moratuwa on Tuesday (Feb 11). This marks his first visit to the CSD since assuming office.
Sri Lanka Coast Guard & Police Lifesavers Rescue
11 Individuals at Panadura Beach
In a swift and heroic operation, Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) lifesavers successfully rescued 11 individuals who were dragged away by powerful rip currents at Panadura Beach on 12 February at approximately 1710 hrs. However, one person remains missing, and observations are ongoing.
Sri Lanka Army Athlete Palitha Bandara Wins Gold Medal
at World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025
Sri Lanka Army athlete, Staff Sergeant H.G. Palitha Bandara, achieved a historic milestone by securing the gold medal in the Shot Put (F42) event at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025, held in Dubai on 11th February 2025. His outstanding performance has brought pride to the nation, marking a significant achievement in Sri Lanka’s para-athletics history.
SL Defence Secretary Meets Indian Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth
The Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) met the Indian Raksha Rajya Mantri (Minister of State for Defence) Shri Sanjay Seth in India, today (Feb 12). The meeting took place during the ongoing Aero India 2025 air show in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College Delegation Visits
Institute of National Security Studies
A delegation from the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC), led by the Head of the Academic Department, Colonel Lausanne Nsengimana Ingabire, visited the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), the premiere think tank on National Security in Sri Lanka on Tuesday (Feb 11).
Sri Lankan and Indian Defence Secretaries are in
Talks to Enhance Defence Ties
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) met with the Indian Defence Secretary, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, today (Feb 11). The meeting took place in conjunction with the on going Aero India 2025 air show, which is being held in the Karnataka, Bengaluru, India.
Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College
Delegation Visits Defence Ministry
A delegation from the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC), led by the Head of the Academic Department, Colonel Lausanne Nsengimana Ingabire, visited the Ministry of Defence in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, today (Feb 11).
Deputy Minister of Defence Visits Navy Headquarters
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), made his inaugural visit to the Navy Headquarters on Monday (Feb 10). Upon arrival, he was accorded a traditional Guard of Honour and warmly received by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.
7th Edition of the Colombo Air Symposium 2025 Commences, Exploring
the Future of Air and Space Power
The Colombo Air Symposium 2025 (CAS), the annual international academic forum organized by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), commenced today (10 February 2025), for the seventh consecutive year at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo. Under the guidance and supervision of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, this year’s symposium is themed “Transforming Air and Space Power for a Resilient Tomorrow: Prospects for Air Forces of the Indian Ocean Rim.” The forum brought together the intellectuals, diplomats, military leaders, policymakers and technological experts to deliberate on the evolving role of air and space power in the contemporary global security environment.
Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) appointed
as Acting Minister of Defence
Acting ministers have been appointed for four (04) key ministries, with the President's departure for the United Arab Emirates today (Feb 10) to attend the World Governments Summit 2025.