Ministry of Defence - Sri Lanka

News

News | News

PNS ASLAT Calls Port of Colombo

Pakistan Naval Ship (PNS) ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit this morning (Feb 01). The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions, Navy media says.


News | News

SLNS Vijayabahu departs for Pakistan to participate in AMAN-2025

SLNS Vijayabahu set sail today (30 Jan 25 ) from the Port of Colombo to Karachi, Pakistan, to join the multinational naval exercise ‘AMAN-2025,’ hosted by the Pakistan Navy. The vessel was ceremoniously sent off from Colombo, following traditional naval customs.


News | News

Newly appointed Air Force Commander Calls on Defence Secretary

Newly appointed Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, called on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Defence Ministry in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, today (Jan 30).


News | News

All arrangements are set in place for the 77th Independence Day celebrations

"The 77th Independence Day celebrations will undoubtedly usher in a new era for the nation," stated the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Hon. Dr. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, today (Jan 30). "Guided by the forward-thinking vision of His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, this year's celebrations will mark the beginning of efforts to establish a political, social and economic environment that upholds and ensures citizens' rights while empowering them."


News | News

Navy installs medical grade Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant
at ICU of National Hospital, Colombo

As part of the Naval Social Responsibility (NSR) project, a medical grade Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant designed for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at National Hospital, Colombo was declared open on 29 Jan 25. Going by the initiatives of the Ministry of Health, the RO plant was built utilizing funds made possible by Sanken Overseas (Pvt) Ltd.


News | News

Defence Ministry, during a media briefing, clarifies the situation regarding the arrest of
Indian fishermen engaged in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters

A media briefing was held at the Ministry of Defence today (29 January) under the patronage of the Secretary of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyakontha (Retd) and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, to present the facts regarding the situation arising out of the arrest of Indian fishermen who were engaged in illegal fishing activities in Sri Lankan waters.


News | News

Defence Advisor at the US Embassy Extends Courtesies

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony (US Army) C. Nelson, the Defence Attaché, and other officials from the US Embassy in Colombo paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) this morning.


News | News

Progress of the Committee Appointed to look into the Welfare of
Families of Fallen War Heroes and Disable Veterans Reviewed

A discussion to review the progress of the committee appointed to look into the welfare and issues of families of fallen war heroes and disabled war veterans was held at the office of the Deputy Minister of Defence, today (Jan 28).


News | News

NDC Commandant calls on the Defence Secretary

The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Major General Chamila Munasinghe (Retd), called on the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Defence Ministry in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte today (Jan 28).


News | News

Myanmar DA in Sri Lanka calls on Defence Secretary

The Defence Adviser to the Embassy of Myanmar in Sri Lanka, Brigadier General Zaw Moe Lwin called on the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Defence Ministry in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte today (Jan 28).


News | News

Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe Appointed
as the 20th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force

Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, WWV, RWP, RSP and Three bars, USP, Fndu (China), psc, qhi has been appointed as the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) by His Excellency the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.


News | News

Australian National Day Celebrations Held in Colombo

The Australian High Commission in Colombo hosted a vibrant celebration on Monday (Jan 27) to mark the Australian National Day, which lies on 26 January. The event was attended by the Minister of Health and Mass Media Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa, as the Chief Guest.


News | News

Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa Makes Farewell
Call on Deputy Minister of Defence

The outgoing Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, made a formal farewell call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at his office in Colombo on Monday (Jan 27).


News | News

Outgoing Air Force Commander Bids Farewell to Defence Secretary

The outgoing Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, made a farewell call on the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), today (Jan 27) at the Defence Ministry in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte.


News | News

Indian High Commission Hosts 76th Republic Day Ceremony

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka celebrated India’s 76th Republic Day with a grand event held at the Indian House in Colombo on Sunday (Jan 26).


News | News

NDC Commandant calls on Deputy Minister of Defence

The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Major General Chamila Munasinghe (Retd), called on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), today (Jan 27) at the Deputy Minister’s office.


News | News

Deputy Minister of Defence Commends Midshipman Tennakoon for Outstanding Achievement at Pakistan Naval Academy

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), extended his sincere congratulations to Midshipman T.M.I. Vimukthi Tennakoon of Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in recognition of earning the prestigious Sword of Honour at the recent Commissioning Parade of the 122nd Midshipmen and 30th Short Service Commission (SSC) Course at the Pakistan Naval Academy (PNA), Karachi.


News | News

26th ASEAN Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities / Colleges / Institutions Meeting successfully concluded

KDU hosts ARF- HDUCIM International Forum from 22nd to 25th at Galle Face Hotel


News | News

Ministry of Defence hosts another Awareness Programme on the
Clean Sri Lanka initiative

The Ministry of Defence conducted another awareness programme today (Jan 24) to raise awareness and educate the ministry staffers about the "Clean Sri Lanka" project. This initiative, spearheaded by the government on the president's directions, aims to address key socio-economic challenges, including alleviating rural poverty, promoting digitalization, and combating corruption.


News | News

Deputy Minister of Defence highlights the importance of Defence Education
and Regional Cooperation at ASEAN Regional Forum – HDUCIM

Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) addressing the 26th ASEAN Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities, Colleges, and Institutions Meeting (ARF-HDUCIM), emphasized the critical role of defence education in adapting to global transitions and strengthening regional security.


News | News

New Director General appointed to the CSD

The newly appointed Director General of the Civil Security Department (CSD) Major General KHP Palitha Fernando (Retd), received his Letter of Appointment on Jan 23.


News | News

DSCSC Commandant calls on the Defence Secretary

Commandant of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) Major General HHKSS Hewage made a call on the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Defence Ministry, today (Jan 22).


News | News

Army troops assist flood affected communities

Sri Lanka Army troops are involved in disaster relief activities in several parts of the country affected by floods. According to Army media sources, troops took prompt action to repair the damaged parts of the bunds of Mahanochchikulam in Galkulama, Kiri Ibba lake in Horowpothana and Sinnasittikulam lake in Palugaswewa.


News | News

Ministry of Defence holds a special discussion on
regulating private sector security services

A focused discussion was convened at the office of the Deputy Minister of Defence, on Monday (20) to review the operations of private-sector security services, address existing challenges, and establish a comprehensive framework for regulating these services.  


News | News

Press conference held to raise awareness on the disaster situation caused
by the prevailing weather in the island

Government has approved an increase in the compensation for loss of life due to disasters, from 250,000 to 1 million rupees.