News
SLNS Sindurala rushed to rescue distressed fishermen of fishing
trawler ‘Keshan Putha I’
Amidst unfavourable weather conditions, the multiday fishing trawler ‘Keshan Putha I’ capsized approximately 354 nautical miles (about 655km) off the coast of Hambantota. Responding promptly, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo coordinated the rescue of 04 fishermen from the distressed trawler. Acting on the directives, the Sri Lanka Navy promptly deployed SLNS Sindurala on 30 Oct 25 for the onward rescue mission.
Deputy Defence Minister and Defence Secretary Attend
Türkiye’s 102nd Republic Day Celebration
The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Sri Lanka hosted a grand reception to commemorate the 102nd Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, on 29th October 2025.
Defence Secretary Emphasises Continued Support
for War Veterans at Public Day Event
Reaffirming the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of war veterans and the families of fallen heroes, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) presided over the Public Day programme at the Ministry premises today (October 29).
Defence Ministry Holds Series of High-Level Discussions on Several Key Issues
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) and Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) jointly chaired a series of high-level meetings at the Deputy Minister's office in Colombo, yesterday (28 October).
Deputy Minister Reaffirms Bilateral Cooperation
During Visit to ‘‘JMSDF AKEBONO’’
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) along with the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) visited the Japanese naval ship ‘JMSDF AKEBONO’ at the Colombo harbour, yesterday (28 October).
High-Level Discussion on releasing lands utilized by the military
A high-level meeting was convened yesterday (28 October) at the office of the Deputy Minister of Defence in Colombo to review progress and address ongoing challenges related to the release of private lands situated within the Jaffna-Palali area to their rightful owners.
JMSDF ship AKEBONO makes port call in Colombo
The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) ship AKEBONO arrived at the port of Colombo on a goodwill visit this morning (28 Oct 25). The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.
New Chief of National Intelligence Assumes Duties
The newly appointed Chief of National Intelligence, Major General Nalinda Niyangoda RWP RSP VSV USP ndu psc PhD MSc (DM) MSc (NSWS) PGDM, received his letter of appointment from the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), yesterday (27 October).
Malaysian Coast Guard Ship ‘KM BENDAHARA’ arrives in Colombo
The Malaysian Coast Guard Ship ‘KM BENDAHARA’ arrived at the Port of Colombo on a replenishment purpose on 27 Oct 25. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.
Major General Ruwan Wanigasooriya Retires as Chief
of National Intelligence
Major General Ruwan Wanigasooriya, Chief of National Intelligence (CNI), today (27 October) relinquished his duties at the Ministry of Defence upon reaching the age of 60 years.
Navy rescues crew members from distressed Merchant Vessel
In a swift response to a distress call, the Sri Lanka Navy successfully rescued the crew of the Merchant Vessel (MV) INTEGRITY STAR on 25 Oct 25 and brought them to the Humbantota International Port today morning ( 26 Oct 25).The vessel was in distress due to failure in main engines approximately 100 nautical miles south of Sri Lanka and the crew was in a desperate situation.
High-Level Meeting Held to Strengthen Security Measures at Bandaranaike
International Airport
A high-level meeting was held at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake today (23 October) jointly chaired by the Deputy Minister of Ports and Aviation, Hon. Janith Ruwan Kodituwakku MP, and the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
Deputy Minister of Defence Graces NCC Passing Out Parade
The Annual Passing Out Parade of the Hermann Loos and De Soysa Challenge Trophies for the year 2025 was successfully held today (21 October) at the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Training Centre in Rantambe.
Australian National Defence College DSSC Delegation
calls on Defence Secretary
A delegation of the Australian National Defence College's Defence and Strategic Studies Course (DSSC), led by Colonel Brandon Wood, called on the Sri Lankan Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Defence Headquarters Complex in Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte, today (21 October).
Defence Secretary Graces Traditional Commissioning
Ball after Commissioning Ceremony
The traditional Commissioning Ball for the newly Commissioned Officers of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) was held with the graceful attendance of the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), as the chief guest, at the SLAF Academy China Bay, Trincomalee last evening of (18 October).
Sri Lanka Air Force No 3 Maritime Squadron Bestowed with President’s Colours
The No 3 Maritime Squadron of the Sri Lanka Air Force was bestowed with the President’s Colour in appreciation of the yeoman service rendered to the Sri lanka Air Force and the nation. The honour was conferred by His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a grand Presidents' Colour Awarding and Commissioning Parade held at the SLAF Academy in ChinaBay, Trincomalee, yesterday (18 October).
Defence Secretary Graces KDU Convocation Dinner as Chief Guest
The Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) graced the 36th General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) Convocation Dinner as the Chief Guest. The ceremony was held at the Ramadia Grand Hotel in Moratuwa last evening (16 October).
Defence Cyber Command Conducts Cybersecurity
Awareness for State Institutions
The Defence Cyber Command conducted a Cybersecurity Awareness Programme for officers of the Ministry of Public Security, Parliamentary Affairs, and affiliated departments on 15 October (2025) at the “Suhurupaya”, Battaramulla.
Deputy Minister of Defence Reaffirms Commitment to Differently-Abled War Heroes During Visit to Mihidu Seth Medura
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), paid a visit to the Mihidu Seth Medura today (15 October), reinforcing the government's unwavering commitment to the welfare and long-term care of differently-abled War Heroes.
KDU Holds Its 36th General Convocation at BMICH
The 36th General Convocation of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) was held yesterday (14 October) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), marking another milestone in the University’s distinguished academic journey.
Defence Secretary Chairs Public Day Program to address the
welfare of tri services Veterans’
Reaffirming the Ministry’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of tri services veterans and the families of fallen war heroes, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) chaired another Public Day program at the Defence Ministry premises today (14 October).
Deputy Minister of Defence Conducts Inspections of Army Ordnance Depots
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), undertook a two-day inspection tour of key Sri Lanka Army ammunition and ordnance storage facilities.
The Deputy Minister of Defence Addresses the Higher ranking Officers of the
Sri Lanka Army
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), paid an official visit to the Sri Lanka Army Headquarters, yesterday (10 October). Arriving at the Army Headquarters on the 76th Army Anniversary, the Deputy Minister was warmly received by the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo and accorded a ceremonial welcome.
Sri Lanka Hosts UN Peacekeeping Roundtable on the Future of
Global Peace Operations
The Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the United Nations, convened a High-level Roundtable Discussion on “The Next Generation of Peacekeeping Operations and Sri Lanka’s Potential Contributions”, at the Defence Ministry on 09th October (2025).