News
LTTE terrorism defeated militarily but few Tamil politicians still propagate its ideology – Defence Secretary
Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said although the Sri Lankan military had completely defeated LTTE terrorism militarily 10-years ago, the challenge of defeating its separatist ideology still remained as some Tamil politicians were attempting to propagate it in the minds of Tamil people.
Govt briefs UNHRC President on decision to withdraw from Resolution 40/1
Foreign Ministry Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha affirmed the Human Rights Council (HRC) President Ambassador Elisabeth Fisslberger on the Sri Lankan Government’s decision to withdraw from its co-sponsorship of resolution 40/1.
LTTE will remain a listed terror organization says Malaysia’s Home Minister
“The defunct terrorist organization Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) will remain as a listed terrorist organization”, said Malaysia’s Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
Japanese Navy ship ‘Takanami’ departs the island
The Japanese Navy ship “Takanami” which arrived in Sri Lanka on 21st February 2020, departed the island, today (23rd February 2020).
Task Force set up to expedite CID probe into Easter Sunday terrorist attacks
The Defence Ministry has established a Task Force (TF) to monitor the progress to speed up the on-going investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) into last year’s Easter Sunday serial terrorist attacks in the country, which had claimed more than 250 lives.
Defence Ministry strongly denies allegations by HRW on keeping missing person’s families on its radar
The Defence Ministry vehemently denies the accusations by the Human Rights Watch (HRW), which claimed that families of enforced disappearance and activists supporting them are under the microscope of the Sri Lankan Security Forces and intelligence agencies.
Sri Lanka needs a disciplined and professional Police force - Defence Secretary
Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne emphasised the need of a disciplined and professional Police force to maintain peace, law and order in the country.
Firearm licence applications are now available on defence.lk
* Private security firms registration applications also available
During the recently announced grace period, 200 firearms without valid permits or with no renewed permits have been handed over to Police stations in nine provinces.
Defence Ministry to submit a new Cabinet paper to solve pension issues of disabled soldiers
• Technical discrepancies over pension payments for disabled war veterans, families and widows to be resolved
Defence Ministry will submit a new Cabinet paper to solve existing issues related to pensions and allowances to disabled persons of armed forces and the police, soon.
Police and intelligence units to raid illegal weapons
With the conclusion of the week- long firearms amnesty, the Police together with other intelligence agencies have commenced raiding illegal firearms.
Turkey looks forward in sharing SL’s experiences in countering terrorism
Turkey looks forward in sharing Sri Lanka’s experiences in combating terrorism and enhancing intelligence sharing in a combined effort to combat violent fundamental extremism.
Afghanistan to support Sri Lanka in anti-drug trafficking
Afghanistan Ambassador to Sri Lanka M. Asharf Haidari pledged that Afghanistan would provide its assistance to Sri Lanka in countering drug trafficking in the South Asian region.
Govt. strongly objected US’s travel ban on Army Chief
The Government has conveyed Sri Lanka’s strong objections on the imposition of travel restrictions on Sri Lanka’s Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Lt. Gen.Shavendra Silva and immediate family, today.
Sri Lanka strongly objects US imposing travel ban on Army Chief
While strongly objecting to the imposition of travel restrictions on Army Commander Lt. Gen. Silva and his immediate family by the US, the Government has requested the US to verify the authenticity of the sources of information and to review its decision.
Defence Secretary pledges not to leave space for terrorism
Defence Secretary Maj.Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne assured not to leave space for terrorism to destabilise country’s peace in future under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Timelines evolved externally would hinder process of reconciliation - Sri Lanka’s envoy tell the UN Security Council
The Government has informed the UN that ‘timelines evolved externally in achieving stated objectives would only seek to hinder the process of reconciliation since they would be bereft of ground realities’.
Ranaviru Sewa Authority to be upgraded to a ‘one-stop-shop’
Says providing services for war hero and disables soldiers will be extended to districts.
Israel offers assistance to improve Sri Lanka’s digitisation process
Israel is willing to assist Sri Lanka to digitalise its state sector while strengthening military ties, sharing intelligence and offer more training opportunities for Sri Lanka Police and Tri Forces personnel.
Defence Secretary meets with Indian Defence heads during “DEFEXPO-20” in India
Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne arrived in India on an invitation by that country to attend the 11th ‘DEFEXPO-2020’, in Lucknow.
Army facilitates PMB to buy over 3.2 m kilos of paddy worth Rs. 163.4m
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) has facilitated the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) to purchase over 3,268,600 kilos of paddy worth of over Rs. 163,430,000 during last two weeks.
SL has an important role to play in maintaining peace and stability in the region- Pakistani Air Force Chief
Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan said Sri Lanka had an important role to play in maintaining peace and stability in the region and pledged to support strengthening intelligence sharing.
Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage appointed as DG Institute of National Security Studies
Admiral Professor Jayanath Colombage has been appointed as the Director General of the Institute of National Security Studies of Sri Lanka.
FIREARM AMNESTY TO HAND OVER ILLEGAL WEAPONS
A grace period to handover illegal firearms held without valid permits or documents has been announced today (5 to 12) by the Defence Ministry. Following the directives of the President, weeklong the amnesty has been announced to collect all illegal firearms.
GENERAL AMNESTY FOR TRI FORCES ABSENTEES
A week long general amnesty has been declared, today for Tri-Forces absentees, enabling them to receive a discharge or to rejoin and continue their national service to the country.
Presidents promotes 244 Army officers
A total of 244 Army officers have been promoted to their next ranks by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.