News
Deputy Minister of Defence Pays Final Respects to Late His Holiness Pope Francis
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), visited the Vatican Embassy this morning (Apr 25) to express his condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Deputy Minister of Defence Pays Tribute at ANZAC Memorial Ceremony
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), paid tribute at the ANZAC memorial monument during the annual ANZAC Day commemoration held today (Apr 25) at the Jawatte Cemetery in Colombo 05.
Defence Secretary Instructs to Strengthen Welfare Facilities and Security Arrangements in place for Devotees Attending the Dalada Exposition
The Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) is on an inspection visit to Kandy on yesterday and today (Apr 22 & 23) to inspect the progress of the welfare infrastructure facilities and security arrangements in place for the public attending the Dalada exposition at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.
Deputy Minister of Defence Highlights Strengthening Sri Lanka - Korea Ties During visit to ROK Ship
The Republic of Korea Navy’s destroyer ‘Kang Gam Chan’ received a ceremonial welcome on its arrival at the Port of Colombo today (Apr 22). The ship is making an official visit to the country.
Condolence message on the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis
The Ministry of Defence expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
His legacy of peace and compassion will forever inspire humanity.
Defence Secretary Directs Enhanced Security Measures for
Easter Sunday Church Services
During a special meeting held today (Apr 17), the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) instructed the Tri-Forces Commanders to implement comprehensive security measures to ensure the safety of worshippers attending Christian church services on Easter Sunday.
Defence Secretary Reviews Preparations for Special Exposition
of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) visited the Sri Dalada Maligawa today (April 16) to assess the preliminary arrangements for the upcoming special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, scheduled to be open to the public from April 18 to 27.
New Year Message
As we celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year this year, a festival that symbolises the hope of both physical and spiritual renewal, our nation finds itself at a defining moment, achieving significant victories while resolutely striving towards the realisation of a better and more prosperous future.
Happy Sinhala & Tamil New Year ...!
May you all have a peaceful, happy and prosperous Sinhala and Tamil New Year...!
Press Release
In a significant step towards strengthening maritime safety and ensuring swift response to sea-borne emergencies, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) has introduced a dedicated 24-hour emergency hotline - 106 - directly connected to the SLCG Operations Room.
Sri Lankan Tri-Service Relief Team Continues
Humanitarian Efforts in Myanmar
A specially deployed Sri Lankan Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Team, consisting of personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force, continues to support on-going disaster recovery operations in Myanmar following the recent powerful earthquake that caused significant damage and displacement.
New Deputy Military Liaison Officer Assumes Office
Brigadier AKD Adikari, the newly appointed Deputy Military Liaison Officer at the Ministry of Defence, officially assumed duties today (Apr 09) during an auspicious time.
A Series of Programs to Educate Defence Ministry Officials on the
Clean Sri Lanka Initiative
The first phase of the Series of programs, aimed at raising awareness among non-executive staff officers from institutions under the purview of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and gathering their feedback and suggestions, was held today (Apr 8) at the MoD premises.
Defence Ministry Staff Witness Launch of National Anti-Corruption
Action Plan 2025–2029
The launching ceremony of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025–2029, approved by the Cabinet and developed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), was held today (Apr 9) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo. The event took place under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Ministry of Defence’s Seva Vanitha Unit Distributes Dry
Ration Packs to Ministry Staff
In keeping with the initiative of the Defence Secretary and the Chairperson of the Seva Vanitha Unit (SVU) of the Ministry of Defence, a program to distribute dry ration packs to minor employees of the Ministry of Defence was held today (Apr 9) at the Ministry premises, as a seasonal gesture of goodwill.
Australian High Commissioner Meets Sri Lanka's
Deputy Minister of Defence
The Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Paul Stephens, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at his office in Colombo on Tuesday (Apr 8).
Sri Lankan Tri-Service Troops Commence Relief activities in Myanmar
A specially deployed Sri Lankan Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Team, comprising Tri-Service personnel, has been mobilized in Myanmar to support post-disaster recovery efforts following a powerful earthquake that recently struck the country.
India - Sri Lanka Defence Collaboration emphasised during INS Sahyadri Visit
Today holds special significance as it coincides with the state visit of the Indian Prime Minister underscoring the profound historical, cultural, and strategic ties that unite our two nations and reaffirming the shared vision of our leaders for a prosperous and secure Indian Ocean region.
World Health Day
"Healthy Beglnnlngs, Hopeful Futures."
Sri Lankan Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
Contingent arrives in Myanmar
The special Sri Lankan Medical and Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief Team for Myanmar arrived in Yangon International Airport on Saturday (April 05). This special team of tri forces personnel left the island yesterday with a stock of medical supplies and humanitarian aid, in a special flight following a presidential instruction by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and under the supervision of the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
Tri - Forces Special Team Departs for Myanmar to Provide Disaster Relief
A specialized medical and disaster relief team, composed of 26 members from Sri Lanka's tri-services led by Brigadier Punya Karunathilake, departed for Myanmar on a special flight today, (Apr 5), to assist the people affected by the recent earthquake.
INSS Director General Calls for Stronger Regional Cooperation and the EU’s Role in Resilience at COSATT in Kathmandu
Colonel Nalin Herath, Director General of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), recently concluded a significant visit to Nepal, where he engaged with scholars, policymakers, and thought leaders on pressing regional issues, including climate security and geopolitical resilience in South Asia. His visit, from March 30th to April 1st, 2025, coincided with his participation in an international conference hosted by the Consortium of South Asian Think Tanks (COSATT) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), titled “South Asia’s Stability in a Turbulent World: The European Union’s Role in Shaping Regional Resilience.” Representing INSS, he addressed key strategic challenges facing the region and emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation in fostering long-term resilience. He also extended appreciation to Dr. Nishchal Pande and his team for their exceptional coordination of the event.
JMSDF & SLN unite for a cleaner coast
In a prominent display of cooperation and environmental stewardship, the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) joined forces for a coastal cleanup initiative at the iconic Galle Face on 03 Apr 25. The event which exhibited the camaraderie of both maritime forces, brought together naval personnel from the visiting JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA as well as the Sri Lanka Navy.
‘Engineering the Future Combat and Non-Combat Readiness’
Deputy Minister of Defence Delivers Keynote Address at the
Combat Engineers Symposium 2025
‘In an era defined by rapid technological shifts, evolving threats and complex global challenges, adaptability is not just an option; it is a necessity.’ Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), underscored this very sentiment while addressing the distinguished gathering at the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers Symposium held at Grand Maitland, Colombo today (Apr 3).
Deputy Minister of Defence appreciates Japan's continued assistance to SL
‘Sri Lanka, due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, plays a critical role in regional maritime security. The maritime security strategy is considered the most important aspect in the National Security and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) is given the highest priority’.