News
MINUSMA Force Commander call on Secretary
The Force Commander for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, (MINUSMA), Lieutenant General Dennis Gyllisporre, made a call on the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Hemasiri Fernando on Tuesday (05 February).
Remains of Sri Lankan Peacekeepers brought to the island
The mortal remains of the two Sri Lanka Army UN Peacekeepers were brought to the island on Monday (04 February). The coffins of Major H.W.D. Jayawickrama and Sergeant S.S. Wijekumara were received in a military parade by the Sri Lanka Army. State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene was also present at the Katunayake Airport to receive the bodies.
Sri Lanka celebrates 71st Independence Day
Today is the 71st Independence Day of Sri Lanka. The main Independence Day Parade was held at the Galle Face in Colombo under the patronage of HE the President Maithripala Sirisena, this morning.
Mali President Condemns 'Odious & Unjustifiable Act' on Sri Lankan Peacekeepers
HE the President of the Republic of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta extending his sincere condolences to the bereaved families of fallen Sri Lankan Peacekeepers during their duties in Mali in a letter of condolences condemns the "odious and unjustifiable act which aims only to sabotage the efforts of the Malian parties and the international community in the framework of the stabilization of Mali".
Air Force recognizes educational feats of young achievers
The Sri Lanka Air Force had organized a felicitation ceremony to recognize the educational achievements of the children of Air Force personnel and its civil employees at the Air Force Headquarters auditorium on Wednesday (31 January)
Navy brings ashore sick Malaysian sailor
A sick sailor onboard a Malaysian naval ship was brought ashore for treatment with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy on Wednesday (30 January).
Two Sri Lankan Peacekeepers posthumously promoted
The two Sri Lanka Army personnel who laid down their lives during UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali on 25 (January) have been posthumously promoted to their next ranks. Accordingly, Captain H.W.D Jayawickrama of 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry and Corporal S.S Wijekumara of 1 Mechanized Infantry Regiment have been promoted to the ranks of Major and Sergeant respectively.
CONEX 19 concludes successfully
The Sri Lanka Navy organized "Colombo Naval Exercise" (CONEX 19), concluded successfully on Tuesday (29 January). According to Navy media, the Exercise began with the inaugural ceremony onboard Navy's new Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel, SLNS Sindurala, on Saturday (26).
UN Resident Coordinator Extends Condolences Meeting Commander
Ms. Hanaa Singer, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, the designated representative of the UN Secretary General called on Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army this afternoon (28) at the Army Headquarters to extend her deepest sympathies and condolences on the tragic deaths of two Sri Lankan Peacekeepers in the Mali contingent (MINUSMA) a few days ago.
Joint Maritime Surveillance Training Exercise begins
A Joint Maritime Surveillance Training Exercise of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force got underway in the seas west of Hikkaduwa, on Sunday (27th January).
“Attacks Targeting UN Peacekeepers May Constitute War Crimes Under International Law”, Says UN Secretary General Condemning Attack on Sri Lankan Peacekeepers
UN Secretary General, António Guterres in another statement says the Mali attack on Sri Lankan UN Peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. Here follows the full statement;
UN Security Council Strongly Condemns Attack on Sri Lankan Peacekeepers & Urges Mali Authorities to Bring Perpetrators to Justice
The UN Security Council in a strong-worded condemnation of the brutal attack on the Sri Lankan Peacekeepers’ contingent while their convoy was proceeding in the general area of Douentza early Friday (25) morning calls upon the Government of Mali to bring perpetrators to justice at the earliest. Here follows the full statement issued by the UN Security Council;
Australia provides three Port Class Stabicraft to Sri Lanka Coast Guard
The State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene graced the handing over ceremony of three Australian gifted Stabicraft vessels to Sri Lanka at SLNS Rangalla in the Colombo harbour, on Friday (25 January 2019).
UPDATE: Two Sri Lankan UN Peacekeepers in Mali Dead & Three Injured
Captain H.W.D Jayawickrama of 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry from Polonnaruwa and Corporal S.S Wijekumara of 1 Mechanized Infantry Regiment from Thalakolawewa, Polpithigama of the Sri Lankan Army Contingent in Mali laid down their lives this morning (25) following an explosion while performing their UN Peacekeeping Mission duties around 6.30 a.m. in Keerana area after their WMZ convoy was attacked by a rebel group using an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
IED ATTACK ON SRI LANKAN ARMY CONTINGENT IN MALI KILLS TWO & INJURES FEW MORE PEACEKEEPERS
An armoured vehicle, WMZ carrying Sri Lankan Peacekeeping troops on patrol in the general area of Douentza in West Africa's trouble-torn Mali, came under a remote-controlled Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack around 6.30 a.m. early this morning (25) in local Mali time.
Japanese Ambassador meets State Minister
The Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Akira Sugiyama met the State Minister of Defence, Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene at the Ministry, today (25 January).
Another land release in Wanni
Another segment of Army used land has been released in Wanni. According to Army media, documents relating to 54.38 acres of state and private land used by Army was formally handed over to the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, Dr. Suren Ragavan at his office in Jaffna on Wednesday (22 January).
Secretary felicitated at his Alma Mater
The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Hemasiri Fernando was accorded a grand felicitation by the Old Boys' Association of Nalanda College, Colombo on Monday (21 January).
Issuing of firearm license - 2019
The Ministry of Defence is conducting a three day programme to carry out a census and verification of firearms provided solely for sports purposes to the National Rifle Association (NRA) and National Sport Shooting Federation (NSSF) and to issue licenses for the year 2019. The programme is being held at the Ministry from 22-24 (January).
Educational assistance to Northern students
A large stock of school requirements was distributed among the flood affected students in the North, recently.
More land released in the East
Another land release in the Eastern region was made during a ceremony held at the Divisional Secretariat in Ampara on Friday (18 January).
First Sri Lankan women graduate from Army School of Ceremonial in UK
Two female personnel of the Sri Lanka Air Force, an Officer and an Airwoman have graduated from the Army School of Ceremonial in Catterick, in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
Army commences production of own MRE packs
The Sri Lanka Army in collaboration with the Research Analysis Projection & Development Branch of the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka has commenced the production of the 'Meal Ready to Eat' (MRE) ration packs at the Kandakadu Army farm in Welikanda. According to Army media, the ceremonial production operation commenced at Welkanda facility on Friday (18 January 2019).
Northern troops join 'Pongal' celebrations
Sri Lanka Army troops in the Northern region joined in to celebrate the 'Thai Pongal' festival with the local communities carrying out a range of welfare programmes
British High Commissioner meets Secretary
High Commissioner of the British High Commission in Sri Lanka, HE Mr. James Dauris paid a courtesy call on the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Mr. Hemasiri Fernando, on Wednesday (16 January).