Archives
State Minister plans to develop DMC as a global responder
to assist countries affected by disasters
We want to develop our disaster management sector to be on par with global standards; therefore, we intend to develop the Disaster Management Centre as a global responder to assist countries affected by disasters. We have made this a priority, stated the State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon during a discussion with a US National Guard delegation that met him at his office in Colombo today (May 17).
Firearm permits for crop protection will be issued - State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon says
The State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon stated that the prevailing laws have been amended for the use of firearms for crop protection purposes and it has been decided to revise agricultural land area to five (05) acres for the issuance of those permits.
Indian Naval Ship arrives in Trincomalee
Making a formal visit, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Batti Malv’ arrived at the Trincomalee port on Tuesday (May 16). According to Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) media sources, the visiting ship was welcomed by the SLN in compliance with naval traditions.
Right-sized military back in their classic role -
SL State Minister tells to U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary
The Sri Lankan military will be right-sized gradually and afterwards it will be set up for their classic role, the State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon stated during a cordial discussion held with Ms. Afreen Akhter, the Deputy Assistant Secretary (Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs) of the U.S. Department of State.
Navy flood relief teams are on standby
Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) deployed flood relief teams to flood prone areas in Galle and Matara districts yesterday (14). The SLN said additional relief teams are on standby to be deployed when necessary in view of prevailing inclement weather.
Australia to Gift Beechcraft KA350 King Air Aircraft to Sri Lanka
The Australian Government has announced that it will gift a former Royal Australian Air Force Beechcraft KA350 King Air aircraft (registration A32-673) to the Sri Lankan Government. The aircraft will be used to enhance Sri Lanka’s sovereign aerial maritime surveillance capability.
“Road Safety Week on Prevention of Traffic Accidents Launched Targeting Schools”
The Ministry of Education has announced a school road safety week on road safety. As a result of a discussion between the Sri Lanka Medical Association's Road Accident Prevention Expert Committee and the Minister of Education Dr. Susil Premajayanth and Ministry of Education officials, this road safety week aimed at school children will be held in conjunction with the United Nations Global Road Safety Week from May 12 to 16.
Egyptian Envoy foresees in enhancing military to military cooperation
Ambassador of Egypt in Colombo, His Excellency Maged Mosleh paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne at the Defence Ministry in Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte today (May 12).
'Mocha' intensifies into a severe cyclonic storm
Issuing a red alert for multi day fishing trawlers at the Bay of Bengal Sea area, the Meteorology Department warned that the cyclonic storm “Mocha” over Southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm and lay cantered near 13.20N and 88.10E at 05.30 hours today (May 12).
Sri Lanka will not support any work that hinders the unity of Asia – President
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that Sri Lanka will not support any work that hinders the unity of Asia.
SL Air Force conducts emergency preparedness programme
for National Hospital staff
The Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Wing of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) conducted a training programme for staff at the National Hospital in Colombo on Wednesday (May 10). According SLAF media, the programme was held in response to a request by the Hospital’s director.
Inclement weather to continue as Deep Depression can
become a severe Cyclonic Storm
The Met. Department has issued a warning on the Deep Depression over South-East Bay of Bengal.
National Security Conclave - 2023
The Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) Sri Lanka, which is the premier think tank on National Security, functioning under the Ministry of Defence, is organizing the third edition of its national conference titled “National Security Conclave 2023” on Wednesday, 17th of May 2023. The event will take place at the auditorium of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Kandawala Estate, Ratmalana. His Excellency the President Ranil Wickremasinghe will be gracing the occasion as the chief guest. The conference will host military officers, law enforcement officers, researchers, academics, think tanks and senior experts from across the country to share their perspectives on three thematic areas.
Steps underway to celebrate the National War Heroes Ceremony with pride
Arrangements have been made to hold the National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony with pride to honour the Nation’s war heroes who died in the Thirty Years’ War in Sri Lanka under the patronage of Commander-in-Chief, President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
War Heroes Flag pinned on State Minister of Defence
The War Heroes Flag was pinned on State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, today (May 08).
Met. Department forecasts predict more rain and windy conditions
The Met. Department says that showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western, Southern and Northern provinces and in Trincomalee district. The latest forecast issued by the Department today (08 May) says, showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere over the island particularly during the afternoon or night.
Defence Secretary graces Russian Victory Day ceremony
Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne graced the annual Russian Victory Day ceremony at the Cenotaph War Memorial in Colombo on Thursday (May 04).
President's Vesak Message
This thrice blessed day of Vesak being most important in the Buddhist calendar, dawns with sacred significance. While commemorating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing away, it is a revered occasion, to venerate his Teachings based on the concept of compassion, by participating in activities of piety and giving of alms, through devotion to service of humanity.
May all beings be well & happy ! Happy Vesak !
May all beings be well & happy ! Happy Vesak !
'Dhamma' sermon in view of Vesak Full Moon Poya held at the Defence Ministry
A special ‘Dhamma’ sermon was held at the Defence Ministry premises today (May 04) in view of the forthcoming Vesak Full Moon Poya celebration.
State Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon appointed
as Acting Minister of Defence
Hon. President Ranil Wickremesinghe left the island this morning (04) for the United Kingdom to attend the coronation ceremony of King Charles III.
SL Army troops in Mullaithivu donate blood
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) troops in Mullaithivu donated blood at a blood donation campaign organized in view of the Vesak Poya festival, recently (May 01).
War Heroes Flag pinned on Defence Secretary
The War Heroes Flag was pinned on Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne on Wednesday (May 03).
Met Dept. forecasts heavy showers
The Met Dept. says that Showers or thundershowers will occur over most parts of the island after 1.00 pm today (May 04). According to the latest weather forecast issued today morning, Showers will occur in Western and Northwestern provinces and in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Galle and Matara districts during the morning too.
Indian Air Force Chief meets Defence Secretary
Chief of the Air Staff of Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari called on the Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne at the Ministry of Defence today (May 03).