News
SL Army 3 (V) GW Troops Facilitate Transport for A/L Students and Public Across Flooded Akuressa - Siyabalagoda Road
Troops of the 3rd Volunteer Battalion of the Gemunu Watch (3 (V) GW), serving under the SL Army 613 Infantry Brigade, have launched an immediate relief operation to assist the public following the inundation of the Akuressa - Siyabalagoda road in the Panasugama area, today (Nov 22).
SL Army 8 SR Troops Launch Search & Rescue Ops Following
Pahala Kadugannawa Landslide
Troops of the Sri Lanka Army 8th Battalion of the Sri Lanka sinha Regiment (8 SR), serving under the 611 Infantry Brigade, have launched an immediate Search and Rescue (SAR) operation following a major landslide in the Pahala Kadugannawa area this morning (22 Nov).
Troops Facilitate Transport for A/L students & Public in Flooded Neluwa
Swiftly responding to a flash flood emergency, troops of the 20th Battalion of Sri Lanka Light Infantry (20 SLLI) under the 573 Infantry Brigade have launched an operation to assist students appearing for the G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations and the general public in Neluwa, today (Nov 22).
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Sri Lanka and India Hold Bilateral Discussions on the Sidelines of the 7th NSA-Level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave
Sri Lanka and India held a bilateral discussion on the sidelines of the 7th National Security Advisers-level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), held in New Delhi from 19th to 20th November (2025).
Ministry of Defence gears up to adapt Results-Based Management
for Improved Efficiency
In a progressive move towards enhancing public sector performance, a special session on institutionalizing Results Based Management (RBM) was held last week at the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The session was chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). The initiative aligns with the government's broader reform agenda to promote accountability, transparency, and efficiency across all state entities.
Defence Secretary Reviews Progress of Key National
Disaster Preparedness Projects
A high-level progress review meeting on Sri Lanka’s disaster preparedness and mitigation initiatives was held today (17 November) at the Disaster Management Division premises. The session was chaired by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), with the participation of heads and senior officials from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Department of Meteorology, National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC), and other relevant agencies.
Deputy Minister of Defence and Defence Secretary Participate in Armed Forces Remembrance Day 2025 and Poppy Flower Ceremony
The 81st Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Poppy Flower Ceremony was solemnly commemorated today (16 November) at the Cenotaph War Memorial in Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo. This annual event, organized by the Sri Lanka Armed Forces Veterans' Association in collaboration with the Armed Services, honored the memory and sacrifices of Sri Lankan war heroes who laid down their lives in defence of the nation.
U.S. and Sri Lanka Sign Landmark MOU Strengthening Defence Partnership
In a significant step toward enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, the United States and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (14 November) at the Ministry of Defence, marking a new era in defence partnership.
High-Level Discussion on Measures to Curb Illegal Fishing, Poaching, and Drug Trafficking activities under the Guise of Fishing
A high-level meeting was held at the Parliament premises on 11 November to review strategies for curbing illegal fishing and poaching activities within Sri Lanka’s waters.
Top Defence officials Join Meeting on Jaffna Land Release
A high-level meeting was held yesterday (11 Nov) at the Parliament Complex to evaluate the progress of releasing privately owned lands in the Jaffna and Palali areas currently under military use.
Measures to Enhance War Heroes’ Welfare: Discussions on Ranaviru
Welfare Cabinet Paper
A high level meeting on the Ranaviru Welfare Cabinet Paper, chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), was held yesterday (11 Nov) at the Parliament Complex.
Defence Secretary Joins Solemn Observance of British
Remembrance Day in Colombo
The British Remembrance Day was commemorated with a solemn ceremony at the Commonwealth War Graves, Jawatte Cemetery, Colombo, today (11 November). The event honoured the courage and supreme sacrifice of Commonwealth servicemen who gave their lives during the First and Second World Wars.
Felicitation Ceremony and Validation Workshop on the National Strategic Action Plan Against Human Trafficking Held in Colombo
A felicitation ceremony to honour the partners who have made significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s efforts in combating human trafficking, together with the validation workshop for the National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP) 2026–2030, was held yesterday (7 November) at the Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo.
Defence Secretary Delivers Lecture at the National Defence College
Sharing his expertise and wisdom, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) delivered a lecture to student officers at the National Defence College (NDC) in Colombo today (6 November).
Golden Jubilee of Diplomatic Relations Between Sri Lanka and the Holy See Commemorated
Sri Lanka and the Holy See celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations at a ceremony held yesterday (4 November) at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo.
Deputy Minister of Defence looks into the needs of War Veterans and their Families
Under the Public Day initiative, dedicated to addressing the welfare concerns of retired, injured, and fallen war heroes and their families, two more sessions were held on 3 November in Colombo and in Kegalle during the weekend.
Indian Ocean Tsunami Mock Exercise (IOWave 25) to be Held Tomorrow
The Indian Ocean Tsunami Mock Exercise (IOWave 25), scheduled to coincide with the "World Tsunami Awareness Day," will be conducted tomorrow (5 November).
Outgoing Director General of CDRD calls on Defence Secretary
The outgoing Director General of the Centre for Defence Research and Development (CDRD) Commodore Janaka Gunaseela, made a call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at his office yesterday (3 November).
“Wana Surakuma” Joint Operations Unit Launched to Protect Sri Lanka's Forests
The "Wana Surakuma" Joint Operations Unit, established with the aim of protecting Sri Lanka's valuable natural forest resources and combating forest crimes, was inaugurated today (3 November) at the Ministry of Environment premises.
Deputy Minister of Defence Visits SERRIC to Assess Special Needs Education and Childcare Initiatives
The ‘Senehasa’ Education, Resource, Research, and Information Centre (SERRIC) is a specialized childcare institution established by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Ranaviru Seva Authority (RSA). Its core mission is to provide care and support for children with special needs, helping them to pursue their dreams and aspirations. SERRIC offers daytime programs for the children of military personnel, civil employees, and members of the Police and Civil Security Departments.
A Move for Emerging Entrepreneurial War Heroes Through
the “Pride Of Warrior-Preneurs” Program
A progress review meeting on the 'Defence Contribution to National Entrepreneurship Development and Business Startup Programs' was held last Thursday (October 30), at the Deputy Minister's Office in Colombo. This is an extended move of the initiative undertaken to assign retiring and retired Armed Forces members into national economic development as entrepreneurs under the project named ‘Mission Reboot’.
Navy takes hold of over 335kg of heroin and methamphetamine with 06 suspects in western seas
The Sri Lanka Navy mounted a special operation on the high seas west of Sri Lanka, the Navy apprehended six (06) suspects along with a local multi-day fishing trawler believed to be involved in smuggling of narcotic substances. The narcotic-laden trawler and the suspects were brought to the Dikovita Fisheries Harbour 02 Nov 25.
SLNS Sindurala rushed to rescue distressed fishermen of
fishing trawler ‘Keshan Putha I’
Amidst unfavourable weather conditions, the multiday fishing trawler ‘Keshan Putha I’ capsized approximately 354 nautical miles (about 655km) off the coast of Hambantota. Responding promptly, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo coordinated the rescue of 04 fishermen from the distressed trawler. Acting on the directives, the Sri Lanka Navy promptly deployed SLNS Sindurala on 30 Oct 25 for the onward rescue mission.
Deputy Defence Minister and Defence Secretary Attend
Türkiye’s 102nd Republic Day Celebration
The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Sri Lanka hosted a grand reception to commemorate the 102nd Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, on 29th October 2025.
Defence Secretary Emphasises Continued Support
for War Veterans at Public Day Event
Reaffirming the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of war veterans and the families of fallen heroes, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) presided over the Public Day programme at the Ministry premises today (October 29).