News
New Chief of National Intelligence takes over duties
The newly appointed Chief of National Intelligence Major General Ruwan Wanigasooriya (Retd) received his letter of appointment from Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), today (Jan 01).
Defence Secretary highlights public servants' role
in Sri Lanka’s development agenda
“It is the responsibility of all public servants to support Sri Lanka’s development approach for a better future in every possible way,” said Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), emphasizing the critical role of the public sector in advancing national progress.
New Year Message
The parliamentary elections of 2024 enabled us to establish a government with a strong majority, earning the trust of people across the North, East, West, and South. With this mandate, we have initiated a transformative political shift, fulfilling our democratic responsibilities to build the good governance our citizens aspire to.
Deputy Ministry of Defence Convenes Meeting to Enhance
National Hydrographic Office Capabilities
The Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) chaired a meeting at his office today (Dec 31), to address the critical needs of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO).
Deputy Minister of Defence Stresses Strengthening of the
National Security Framework
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) had a fruitful discussion with officials of the Centre for Research and Development (CRD) and Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) and underscored the importance of strengthening the national security mechanism to keep with evolving challenges and emerging threats and requested the officials to contribute their knowledge and expertise towards this national endeavour.
Newly appointed Commander of the Navy calls on the Defence Secretary
Newly appointed Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, called on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Defence Ministry in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, today (Dec 31).
Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo Appointed as Commander of the Army
Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, RSP, psc, IG, MA in SSS (USA), MSc in SSS (KDU) has been appointed as the 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) by His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda Appointed as
Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy
Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, RSP, USP, ndc, psc, MMaritimePol, MBA in HRM, PG Dip in HRM, BMS, Dip in Mgt, AFIN has been appointed as the 26th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) by His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
'We are taking maximum efforts to modernize our
defence forces'- says Defence Secretary
"We are taking maximum efforts to modernize our defence forces with latest technologies and equipment".
Indonesian Naval Ship ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA-367’
arrives in Colombo
Indonesian naval ship ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA-367’ called the Port of Colombo on an official visit on Saturday (Dec 28). The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) welcomed the visiting ship, following naval traditions, SLN media says.
20th Anniversary of 2004 'Boxing Day' Tsunami Commemorated
The nation solemnly observed the 20th anniversary of the devastating 2004 'Boxing Day' tsunami, which claimed over 35,000 lives, during the ‘National Safety Day’ commemorative ceremony held today (Dec 26) at the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
Progress of the Committee appointed on
welfare of fallen war heroes’ families and disabled veterans is reviewed
A progress review meeting of the committee tasked with addressing the welfare and benefits of families of fallen war heroes and disabled veterans was held today (Dec 26). The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.) chaired the meeting at his office.
Christmas Message
Christmas, the day that marks the birth of Jesus Christ, is celebrated with great reverence by Christians worldwide. Jesus Christ, who came into this world to bring salvation to all, saw no divisions among people, be they rich or poor. His birth among humble shepherds, and the divine message delivered to them by angels, underscores the profound truth that Christmas calls us to transcend divisions and act with unity, peace, and humanity.
Merry Christmas
Wishing peace, strength, and gratitude to all who serve this Christmas
ICGS Vaibhav calls the port of Colombo
Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Vaibhav made a port call at Colombo on Monday (Dec 23) as part of her overseas deployment to the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy hospital ship
‘Peace Ark’ arrives in Colombo
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy hospital ship ‘Peace Ark’ arrived in Colombo on a formal visit on 21st December 2024. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.
The country needs your strong commitment towards the nation building mission -
Deputy Minister of Defence says at Army Cadets Passing Out ceremony
"The greatest treasure of a country is its citizens, and your first and foremost duty is to protect them. This responsibility must remain deeply ingrained in your mind. It is your primary obligation to safeguard their lives," remarked the Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd).
Cloud Sentinel 2024: Advancing Cloud Security in National Defence
Colombo, December 19, 2024 – The Defence Cyber Command (DCC), under the guidance of the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) and in collaboration with the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Sri Lanka Chapter, successfully hosted "Cloud Sentinel 2024" at the Nandimithra Auditorium, Ministry of Defence.
Deputy Minister of Defence looks into flood mitigation in Kolonnawa
A critical meeting was held to address the ongoing issue of lowland submergence in Kolonnawa area.
NCC delegation meets Deputy Minister of Defence
A delegation of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) recently held a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) to discuss their ongoing activities, achievements, and future plans. During the discussion, they outlined their goals for expanding youth participation, enhancing training programs, and increasing their role in community development and nation-building.
Press release
The Ministry of Defence through electronic and print media announced that all firearms and ammunition issued to civilians for personal protection must be returned to the government by 21 November 2024 for a quantitative review.
The ‘Advocacy Day’ of Preventive Brain Health Week 2024 conducted at KDU
The Minister of Health Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa, M.P. was the Chief Guest of the event. Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) joined the event as a guest of honour. Vice Chancellor (VC) of KDU, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara received the distinguished guests on their arrival at the venue.
KDU VC calls on Deputy Minister of Defence
The Vice Chancellor (VC) of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara made a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) at his office in Colombo, today (Dec 19).
US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission meets Acting Minister of Defence
The Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States (US) Embassy in Sri Lanka, Douglas E. Sonnek, met with the Acting Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at his office today (Dec 17).