News
Deputy Minister of Defence and Defence Secretary Graces Russian
“Defender of the Fatherland Day” Ceremony
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), graced the Russian “Defender of the Fatherland Day” ceremony as the chief guest held at the Cinnamon Life, City of Dreams Hotel in Colombo yesterday (19 February). The Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) were also in attendece of the occasion which, the event organized by the Russian Embassy in Colombo.
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE CONDUCTS CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS PROGRAM FOR THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD AFFAIRS
In a proactive effort to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity, and under the direction of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and the Chief of National Intelligence, the Defence Cyber Command conducted its third Cybersecurity Awareness Programme on 19 February 2026 for the staff of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, including national-level Women’s and Child Unit officers from the Kalutara and Colombo Districts.
Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet Meets Defence Secretary
The Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet, Admiral Stephen T. Koehler, met with the Defence Secretary,Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (19 February).
High Commissioner of South Africa Calls on Defence Secretary
The High Commissioner of South Africa to Sri Lanka, H.E. Sandile Edwin Schalk, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Ministry of Defence today (19 February).
Defence Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to the Welfare of Ex-Servicemen
on the Public Day
The Ministry of Defence reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the ensuring welfare of Veterans during its Public Day program, held at the Ministry premises today (18 February). The event took place under the patronage of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
High Level Discussion on Combating Illegal Fishing Activities
Held at the Parliament Complex
A high level meeting on combating illegal fishing activities was convened yesterday (17 Feb) at the Parliament Complex. The meeting was jointly chaired by the Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, the Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.), and the Hon. Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Rathna Gamage
Netherlands Ambassador Calls on Defence Secretary at Ministry of Defence
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka, H.E. Wiebe De Boer, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence premises today (17 February).
Indonesian Ambassador Calls on Defence Secretary
The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Sri Lanka, H.E. Dewi Gustina Tobing, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), today (17 February) at the Ministry of Defence.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman meets the Sri Lankan Defence Secretary
The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mr. Mohsin Naqvi met the Secretary of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) yesterday evening (16 February).
The Defence Secretary Attends Maldivian “Maahefun”
Reception in Colombo
The Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha, attended a special “Maahefun” reception hosted by H.E. Masood Imad, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to Sri Lanka, today (16 February).
Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia Forge Stronger Naval Ties to
Combat Maritime Crime
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.) held high level discussions with Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Ghribi, Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), focusing on a comprehensive enhancement of maritime security cooperation. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the World Defence Show (WDS) 2026 at the Defense Ministry in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia Explore Strengthening Air Defence Ties
Senior defence officials from Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia met recently to discuss future cooperation in air defence and capability development.
Initiatives on Enhancing Naval Capacity Building
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.) met with Vice Admiral Fahad Al Ghofaily, Deputy Chief of General Staff, during his official visit to the World Defence Show (WDS) 2026. The talks focused on strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship, with the Sri Lankan side expressing gratitude for Saudi assistance during recent national disaster.
Deputy Minister of Defence Underscores Government’s Commitment to
Health Sector Reform at SLCOMM Sessions
The Sri Lanka College of Military Medicine (SLCOMM) has emerged as a cornerstone institution within the defence medical framework. Its steadfast commitment to continuous professional development, research, training, and policy contribution has played a decisive role in strengthening the medical preparedness of the Tri Forces.
Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia Reaffirm Commitment to Closer Defence Ties
Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence ties following a high level bilateral discussion held at the Ministry of National Guard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Defence Secretary Co-Chairs Quarter-Based Integrated Progress
Review Meeting of the Ministry of Defence
The Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), co-chaired the Quarter-Based Integrated Progress Review Meeting for the fourth quarter of 2025 of the Ministry of Defence today (13 February). The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. S. Hemantha Kumara, Director General of the Department of Project Management and Monitoring of the Ministry of Finance.
SLNS Sagara and Nandimitra depart for India to participate in International
Fleet Review and MILAN - 26
Sri Lanka Navy Ship (SLNS) Sagara and Nandimitra set sail on 11 Feb 26 from the Port of Colombo to Visakhapatnam, India to join the multilateral naval exercise MILAN and International Fleet Review (IFR), hosted by the Indian Navy. The 13th edition of the exercise will be conducted from 17 to 25 Feb 26 at Visakhapatnam and in the waters of the Bay of Bengal.
Sri Lanka Navy earns USD 598,250 in foreign exchange through facilitating Onboard Security Team (OBST) operations in 4 months
The Sri Lanka Navy has generated USD 598,250 in foreign exchange revenue within just four (04) months by independently facilitating Onboard Security Team (OBST) operations. This total revenue has been credited to the Government Consolidated Fund for the benefit of the national economy and public welfare. A press briefing regarding these operations was held on 11 Feb 26, at the Department of Government Information, headed by the Navy’s Director General Operations.
Defence Secretary Attends Iranian National Day Ceremony in Colombo
The Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), attended the 47th anniversary ceremony of the victory of the Islamic Revolution in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a special guest, held at the ITC Ratnadeepa Hotel in Colombo yesterday (11 February).
Deputy Minister of Defence Holds Talks with Saudi Counterpart
A bilateral meeting was held on 09 February, between the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.), and His Excellency Prince Abdulrahman bin Ayyaf Al-Muqrin, the Deputy Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Saudi Defence Ministry. The meeting took place during Deputy Minister Jayasekara’s official visit to the World Defense Show (WDS) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The year 2026 will be one that gives life to the principle that
“everyone is equal before the law”
Emphasising that no country where the rule of law has collapsed has achieved development, and that in such countries power falls into the hands of criminals, the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the current government is committed to building a nation where the supremacy of the rule of law is firmly established, and that the year 2026 will be one that gives real meaning to the principle that all are equal before the law.
Deputy Minister of Defence Attends World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), attended the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026, in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following an official invitation.
Domestic Aviation Sector Stakeholders Meet Defence Secretary
The Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), chaired a stakeholder meeting at the Ministry of Defence today (10 February), to discuss matters affecting the domestic airline operations.
Defence Secretary Attends Chinese New Year Reception in Colombo
The Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), attended the Chinese New Year reception held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo yesterday (9 February) as a special guest.
Defence Secretary Reaffirms Commitment to Resilient
Recovery at PDNA Workshop
The official Validation and Finalization Workshop for the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) on the impact of Cyclone Ditwah was held today (9 February) at the BMICH, chaired by the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).