Ministry of Defence - Sri Lanka

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DSCSC Student Officers Visit Ministry of Defence

A delegation from the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), comprising Student Officers of Course No. 19, visited the Ministry of Defence at the Defence Headquarters Complex in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte on Monday (Mar 3).


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New Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force Appointed

The President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, has approved the appointment of Air Vice Marshal LH Sumanaweera as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force.


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INS Kuthar Arrives at Port of Colombo on an Official Visit

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kuthar arrived at the Port of Colombo yesterday (Mar 3) for an official visit. In accordance with naval traditions, the vessel was warmly welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy, Navy media reports.


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SLAF Celebrates the Glory of a Generation of Success

The Sri Lanka Air Force hosted its traditional cocktail event in commemoration of 74 years of distinguished and honorable service to the nation. This proud legacy has been forged through the dedication, sacrifice and commitment of the sons and daughters of Sri Lanka, who have selflessly placed the country above all else. The celebration took place yesterday (02 March 2025) at the Eagles’ Lakeside Banquet and Convention Hall in Attidiya.


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A Successful Rescue Operation from Gemunu WatchTroops

In a remarkable display of courage and coordination, the disaster relief troops located at Nonperial detachment of the Gemunu Watch had successfully rescued 35 civilians on 01 March 2025 who trapped due to the sudden rising of the water level of Hirikatu oya.



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Colonel Nalin Herath Presents Insights on Climate Security at
Regional Conference in Dhaka

The Acting Director General and Director (Research) at the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), as well as the Director of Media and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, Colonel Nalin Herath, recently delivered a compelling presentation at the regional conference titled "Droughts, Floods and Fault Lines: Climate Security in South Asia." The conference, held at the Renaissance Hotel in Dhaka, was organized by the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) on February 24–25, with support from the European Union.


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CSD Athletes achievements at South Asia Masters Athletics Championship honoured

An appreciation ceremony was recently held (Feb 18) at the Civil Security Department (CSD) Headquarters to felicitate its members who excelled at the South Asia Masters Athletics Championship, which took place from January 10 to 12 in Bangalore, India. The event was presided over by the Director General of the CSD, Major General KHP Palitha Fernando (Retd).


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Meeting Between the President and Senior Air Force Officials

A discussion on the current security situation in the country was held today (27) at the Presidential Secretariat between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and senior officials of the Sri Lanka Air Force.


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Sustainable Solutions Essential for Disaster Resilience
Deputy Minister of Defence

The government is committed to implementing sustainable strategies and measures to enhance disaster resilience, emphasized Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) on February 25 as the Chief Guest of the 14th Annual Research Symposium 2024 held at the Grand Monarch, Thalawathugoda.


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President Meets Senior Naval Officers

A discussion on Sri Lanka’s current security situation was held today (26) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.


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President Meets with Senior Army Officials

A discussion on Sri Lanka’s current security situation was held today (25) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.


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Deputy Minister of Defence Reviews Progress of War
Heroes' Welfare Committee

Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), chaired a key progress review meeting yesterday (Feb 24) at his office in Colombo. The discussion focused on evaluating the ongoing efforts of the committee dedicated to addressing the welfare and benefits of martyred and disabled war heroes' families.


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Sri Lanka Air Force Successfully Douses Fire in Nallathanniya Reserve

A fire that broke out in the Maskeliya Nallathanniya Valamale Upper Area Reserve in the Nuwara Eliya District yesterday (Feb 24) was successfully brought under control with the swift intervention of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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'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.


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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.


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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).


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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.


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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).


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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.


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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.