News
Indian Chief of the Army Staff Meets the Deputy Minister of Defence
The Chief of the Army Staff of Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at his office in Colombo today (07 January). The Chief of the Indian Army arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday, commencing a two day official visit.
Indian Chief of the Army Staff Meets Defence Secretary
The Chief of the Army Staff of Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (7 January). The Indian Army Chief arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday on an official visit.
Ministry of Defence Holds Legal Awareness Programme
on Proceeds of Crime Act, No. 05 of 2025
A special awareness programme on the Proceeds of Crime Act, No. 5 of 2025, was conducted today (06 January) at the Ministry of Defence, aimed at educating the nation’s security and legal leadership on the complexities of illicit wealth recovery. The session, held under the guidance of the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), focused on critical statutory obligations relating to the disclosure of information and the consequences of failure to disclose, which form a cornerstone of the national effort to dismantle organised financial crime.
Tri-Forces Donate LKR. 372 Million, a Day’s pay of All Ranks to
‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund
Members of all ranks from the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force have collectively donated a day's basic salary to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, which established to restore livelihoods and rebuild the country following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Deputy Minister of Defence Calls for Collective Effort at New Year Ceremony
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), attended the customary commencement of work for the New Year and the taking of the government servants’ oath at the Ministry of Defence this morning (01 January).
Distribution of Foreign Humanitarian Assistance to Victims of the Cyclone Ditwah
Sri Lanka has received Humanitarian assistance from 22 foreign countries and the World Food Programme (WFP) to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. To ensure the proper management, coordination, and effective distribution of foreign relief supplies among the affected population, the President established the High-Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC).
President’s New Year Message
As we step into the New Year 2026, we do so as a nation that has shouldered the greatest reform programme and reconstruction effort in our modern history.
President’s Christmas Message
Christians around the world joyfully commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ with deep devotion today (25), marking the sacred celebration of Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
May the joy and peace of the season be with you today and throughout the New Year.
Deputy Minister of Defence Chairs Fifth HL-FRAC Meeting
The fifth meeting of the High-Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC) was held at the Deputy Minister's office yesterday (23 December),chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd).
Egyptian Ambassador Calls on Deputy Minister of Defence
The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka, H.E. Adel Ibrahim, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at the Deputy Minister’s Office yesterday (23 Dec).
Ministry of Defence Conducts Cyber Security Awareness Program for
Ministry of Women and Child Affairs
In a proactive move to fortify the nation’s digital frontiers, under the direction of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and the Chief of National Intelligence, the Defence Cyber Command (DCC) of the Ministry of Defence conducted a comprehensive Cybersecurity Awareness Program for the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs on 19 December 2025.
As a nation, progress can be achieved only by fulfilling our responsibilities with
unwavering determination, without faltering in the face of any challenge
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that national progress cannot be achieved through suspicion and mistrust of one another, but only when everyone fulfils the responsibilities entrusted to them with steadfast determination, unity of purpose and resilience in the face of any challenge.
Final Presentation of Cadet Officers Held at Sri Lanka Military Academy
The final presentation of officer cadets belonging to Intake 93, 94B, SC 21 C and SC 23, Lady 20, 62(V), and Lady (V) 19 was held on 20 December 2025 at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, marking the culmination of their academic and military training.
Defence Secretary Directs Activation of Operations Room to Ensure
Public Safety During Festive Season
The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence has directed the activation of a special Operations Room at the Army Headquarters to ensure public safety and security during the ongoing festive season.
Special Discussion on Restoring Lives under the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Programme Held under the patronage of the President
A special discussion was held today (20) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to review district-level plans aimed at restoring the lives of citizens under the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ programme and to examine challenges that have emerged during implementation. The meeting included Secretaries of Ministries responsible for defence, agriculture, irrigation, water supply, fisheries, transport, housing and construction, heads of relevant line institutions and all District Secretaries.
Fourth Session of High-Level Committee for Foreign Aid Coordination (HL-FRAC) Held at Parliament
The fourth session of the High-Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC) was held on 19 December at the Parliament complex, presided over by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). The committee’s primary responsibility remains the formalization, management, and efficient distribution of foreign aid received for disaster relief efforts.
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) Evaluates Flood Impact at Abhimansala-3 in Pangolla
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), visited the Abhimansala-3 Rehabilitation Centre in Pangolla recently (14 December) to assess the impact of recent devastating floods. During his visit, the Deputy Minister inspected the facility’s infrastructure and spoke with the staff members to assess the damages caused by the adverse weather, which has severely affected the delivery of vital services for the resident war heroes of the centre.
Ministry of Defence Establishes Public Assistance Helpdesk at
Galle Face for the Festive Season
Under the direction of the Secretary of Defence, dedicated Public Assistance Helpdesk will be established commencing on 21 December 2025, in the Galle Face area, located in front of the Presidential Secretariat. This initiative is a response to the significant increase in public gatherings during the ongoing seasonal period. The Helpdesk is being set up through a coordinated effort of the Tri-Forces and the Sri Lanka Police, ensuring a unified, responsive, and visible presence on the ground.
Sri Lanka Navy completes bridge restoration in Peradeniya and continues
wide-ranging flood relief efforts
The Sri Lanka Navy has successfully concluded specialized diving and technical operations to clear vital infrastructure obstructed by severe flooding from Cyclone Ditwah, while continuing extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations across the island.
Meeting with UN Resident Coordinator on Disaster Management
and Aid Coordination
The Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) met with the United Nations Resident Coordinator to Sri Lanka, Mr. Marc-André Franche, at the office of the Deputy Minister of Defence yesterday (17 December) to review ongoing disaster response efforts, institutional reforms, and the coordination of international humanitarian assistance.
Yoo Brands Supports Disaster Relief Efforts
Yoo Brands Pvt Ltd today extended its support to national disaster relief and recovery efforts by donating essential footwear items to the Ministry of Defence.
Deputy Minister of Defence Declares Open ‘‘Senehasa’’ Sensory Garden
for Children with Special Needs
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), inaugurated the renovated children’s park and Sensory Garden at the Senehasa Education, Resource, Research and Information Centre (SERRIC) today (17 December).
Meeting on Formulation of National Defence Research and
Development Policy
A high level meeting on formulation of the National Defence Research and Development (R&D) Policy was held at the office of the Deputy Minister of Defence, yesterday (16 December), chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd).