News
Felicitation Ceremony and Validation Workshop on the National Strategic Action Plan
Against Human Trafficking Held in Colombo
A felicitation ceremony to honour the partners who have made significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s efforts in combating human trafficking, together with the validation workshop for the National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP) 2026–2030, was held yesterday (7 November) at the Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo.
Defence Secretary Delivers Lecture at the National Defence College
Sharing his expertise and wisdom, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) delivered a lecture to student officers at the National Defence College (NDC) in Colombo today (6 November).
Golden Jubilee of Diplomatic Relations Between Sri Lanka and
the Holy See Commemorated
Sri Lanka and the Holy See celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations at a ceremony held yesterday (4 November) at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo.
Deputy Minister of Defence looks into the needs of War Veterans and their Families
Under the Public Day initiative, dedicated to addressing the welfare concerns of retired, injured, and fallen war heroes and their families, two more sessions were held on 3 November in Colombo and in Kegalle during the weekend.
Indian Ocean Tsunami Mock Exercise (IOWave 25) to be Held Tomorrow
The Indian Ocean Tsunami Mock Exercise (IOWave 25), scheduled to coincide with the "World Tsunami Awareness Day," will be conducted tomorrow (5 November).
Outgoing Director General of CDRD calls on Defence Secretary
The outgoing Director General of the Centre for Defence Research and Development (CDRD) Commodore Janaka Gunaseela, made a call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at his office yesterday (3 November).
“Wana Surakuma” Joint Operations Unit Launched to Protect Sri Lanka's Forests
The "Wana Surakuma" Joint Operations Unit, established with the aim of protecting Sri Lanka's valuable natural forest resources and combating forest crimes, was inaugurated today (3 November) at the Ministry of Environment premises.
Deputy Minister of Defence Visits SERRIC to Assess Special Needs
Education and Childcare Initiatives
The ‘Senehasa’ Education, Resource, Research, and Information Centre (SERRIC) is a specialized childcare institution established by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Ranaviru Seva Authority (RSA). Its core mission is to provide care and support for children with special needs, helping them to pursue their dreams and aspirations. SERRIC offers daytime programs for the children of military personnel, civil employees, and members of the Police and Civil Security Departments.
A Move for Emerging Entrepreneurial War Heroes Through the
“Pride Of Warrior-Preneurs” Program
A progress review meeting on the 'Defence Contribution to National Entrepreneurship Development and Business Startup Programs' was held last Thursday (October 30), at the Deputy Minister's Office in Colombo. This is an extended move of the initiative undertaken to assign retiring and retired Armed Forces members into national economic development as entrepreneurs under the project named ‘Mission Reboot’.
Navy takes hold of over 335kg of heroin and methamphetamine
with 06 suspects in western seas
The Sri Lanka Navy mounted a special operation on the high seas west of Sri Lanka, the Navy apprehended six (06) suspects along with a local multi-day fishing trawler believed to be involved in smuggling of narcotic substances. The narcotic-laden trawler and the suspects were brought to the Dikovita Fisheries Harbour 02 Nov 25.
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).
