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A Systematic approach to build a positive future for the youth, President
A Systematic approach will be taken to win the challenges in building positive future for the youth, President Maithripala Sirisena said. He made these remarks at the opening of the first National Career Guidance network centre held at Polonnaruwa today (8).
Funerals of Sri Lankan Peacekeepers held with military honours
The last rites of the two Sri Lankan Peacekeepers were conducted amidst full military honours on Thursday (07 February).
"Piyawara" project reaches milestone in establishing 50 Pre-schools
The 50th pre-school built under the "Piyawara" project was vested on the children of Siyambalawa in Anuradhapura, recently. According to Army media, this project was initiated with the aim to build 50 pre-schools for the children in the Wanni region by the Security Force Headquarters - Wanni (SFHQ-W) in collaboration with the Hemas Outreach Foundation.
Army renovates Children's Park affected by floods
In continuation of the troops' assistance to the communities in the North who were affected by the recent floods in the region, the Children's Park at Kakkaitivu pre-school premises in Anaikkoddai was completely renovated and handed over by Army troops.
Indian survey ship leaves Colombo
The Indian Navy's hydrographic survey ship "INS Jamuna" departed the island after taking part in a joint hydrographic survey in Sri Lankan waters, today (06 February). According to Navy media, "Jamuna" was accorded a traditional farewell by the SL Navy upon her departure from the Colombo harbor.
More educational assistance for Kilinochchi students
A large stock of school accessories was distributed to more than 3900 children in the Northern region under the 'Senehe Siyapatha' welfare project, launched jointly by the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Disaster Management and Dialog Axiata PLC, recently
MINUSMA Force Commander call on Secretary
The Force Commander for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, (MINUSMA), Lieutenant General Dennis Gyllisporre, made a call on the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Hemasiri Fernando on Tuesday (05 February).
Remains of Sri Lankan Peacekeepers brought to the island
The mortal remains of the two Sri Lanka Army UN Peacekeepers were brought to the island on Monday (04 February). The coffins of Major H.W.D. Jayawickrama and Sergeant S.S. Wijekumara were received in a military parade by the Sri Lanka Army. State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene was also present at the Katunayake Airport to receive the bodies.
Sri Lanka celebrates 71st Independence Day
Today is the 71st Independence Day of Sri Lanka. The main Independence Day Parade was held at the Galle Face in Colombo under the patronage of HE the President Maithripala Sirisena, this morning.
President visits late Major Wasantha Dinesh Jayawickrema’s house
President Maithripala Sirisena condoles over the family and parents of Major Wasantha Dinesh Jayawickrema who sacrificed his life at the Mali operation attached to the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Mali.
Two Navy ships set sail to attend SLINEX 2019 in India
Two "Wave Rider" craft produced by the Inshore Patrol Craft Construction Project established at the Naval base Welisara, were handed over to Seychelles government in a ceremony held at SLNS Rangalla in Colombo harbor premises, today (01 February). President of the Socialist Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka HE Maithripala Sirisena and Vice President of Republic of Seychelles HE Vincent Meriton graced the occasion as chief guests.
Mali President Condemns 'Odious & Unjustifiable Act' on Sri Lankan Peacekeepers
HE the President of the Republic of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta extending his sincere condolences to the bereaved families of fallen Sri Lankan Peacekeepers during their duties in Mali in a letter of condolences condemns the "odious and unjustifiable act which aims only to sabotage the efforts of the Malian parties and the international community in the framework of the stabilization of Mali".
Air Force recognizes educational feats of young achievers
The Sri Lanka Air Force had organized a felicitation ceremony to recognize the educational achievements of the children of Air Force personnel and its civil employees at the Air Force Headquarters auditorium on Wednesday (31 January)
Navy brings ashore sick Malaysian sailor
A sick sailor onboard a Malaysian naval ship was brought ashore for treatment with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy on Wednesday (30 January).
Two Sri Lankan Peacekeepers posthumously promoted
The two Sri Lanka Army personnel who laid down their lives during UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali on 25 (January) have been posthumously promoted to their next ranks. Accordingly, Captain H.W.D Jayawickrama of 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry and Corporal S.S Wijekumara of 1 Mechanized Infantry Regiment have been promoted to the ranks of Major and Sergeant respectively.
CONEX 19 concludes successfully
The Sri Lanka Navy organized "Colombo Naval Exercise" (CONEX 19), concluded successfully on Tuesday (29 January). According to Navy media, the Exercise began with the inaugural ceremony onboard Navy's new Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel, SLNS Sindurala, on Saturday (26).
President's condolence message
I was deeply saddened and shocked by the news of two great sons of Sri Lanka sacrificing their lives while serving the mission of world peacekeeping. I pay my respect and honour to them as they died in the cause of world peace process to ensure the independence of mankind.
UN Resident Coordinator Extends Condolences Meeting Commander
Ms. Hanaa Singer, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, the designated representative of the UN Secretary General called on Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army this afternoon (28) at the Army Headquarters to extend her deepest sympathies and condolences on the tragic deaths of two Sri Lankan Peacekeepers in the Mali contingent (MINUSMA) a few days ago.
Joint Maritime Surveillance Training Exercise begins
A Joint Maritime Surveillance Training Exercise of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force got underway in the seas west of Hikkaduwa, on Sunday (27th January).
“Attacks Targeting UN Peacekeepers May Constitute War Crimes Under International Law”, Says UN Secretary General Condemning Attack on Sri Lankan Peacekeepers
UN Secretary General, António Guterres in another statement says the Mali attack on Sri Lankan UN Peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. Here follows the full statement;
UN Security Council Strongly Condemns Attack on Sri Lankan Peacekeepers & Urges Mali Authorities to Bring Perpetrators to Justice
The UN Security Council in a strong-worded condemnation of the brutal attack on the Sri Lankan Peacekeepers’ contingent while their convoy was proceeding in the general area of Douentza early Friday (25) morning calls upon the Government of Mali to bring perpetrators to justice at the earliest. Here follows the full statement issued by the UN Security Council;
Australia provides three Port Class Stabicraft to Sri Lanka Coast Guard
The State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene graced the handing over ceremony of three Australian gifted Stabicraft vessels to Sri Lanka at SLNS Rangalla in the Colombo harbour, on Friday (25 January 2019).
UPDATE: Two Sri Lankan UN Peacekeepers in Mali Dead & Three Injured
Captain H.W.D Jayawickrama of 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry from Polonnaruwa and Corporal S.S Wijekumara of 1 Mechanized Infantry Regiment from Thalakolawewa, Polpithigama of the Sri Lankan Army Contingent in Mali laid down their lives this morning (25) following an explosion while performing their UN Peacekeeping Mission duties around 6.30 a.m. in Keerana area after their WMZ convoy was attacked by a rebel group using an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
IED ATTACK ON SRI LANKAN ARMY CONTINGENT IN MALI KILLS TWO & INJURES FEW MORE PEACEKEEPERS
An armoured vehicle, WMZ carrying Sri Lankan Peacekeeping troops on patrol in the general area of Douentza in West Africa's trouble-torn Mali, came under a remote-controlled Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack around 6.30 a.m. early this morning (25) in local Mali time.
Japanese Ambassador meets State Minister
The Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Akira Sugiyama met the State Minister of Defence, Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene at the Ministry, today (25 January).