Ministry of Defence - Sri Lanka

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‘Defence Ministry staffers have been entrusted with significant responsibilities and all must endeavour to serve with the utmost dedication’ - State Minister of Defence

The State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon while attending the customary New Year’s Day ceremony at the Defence Ministry this morning (Jan 1) stated ‘Defence Ministry staffers are entrusted with significant responsibilities and all must endeavour to strive to achieve national goals with utmost dedication’.


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President's Christmas Day Message

Christmas represents the celebration of hope. "The individuals who traversed in obscurity, burdened with tears and sighs, have witnessed a profound light." In the pursuit of revitalizing that hope, I extend my wishes for all of us to conscientiously fulfil our responsibilities and duties, fostering a Christmas that instils fresh hopes in our nation.


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NACWC conducts capacity building programme for fire fighters
on Chemical Emergency Management

The National Authority for Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) conducted the second capacity-building program for firefighting personnel focusing on chemical emergency management, from 19 to 21 December at the Light House Galley - Colombo and Fire and Rescue Training Academy in Wellawatta.


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Indonesian naval ship KRI DIPONEGORO- 365 on the island

Making a formal visit to Sri Lanka, the Indonesian Naval Ship KRI DIPONEGORO- 365 arrived at the port of Colombo on Thursday (Dec. 21).


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Sri Lankan panellist Colonel Nalin Herath captivates audience at Pune Dialogue

The Director Media of the Ministry of Defence and Director General of the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) Colonel Nalin Herath, was among the distinguished panel of eminent speakers at the Late General Bipin Rawat Memorial Seminar, held in Pune, India.


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New Indian Assistant DA Meets Defence Secretary

The newly appointed Assistant Defence Advisor at the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, Lieutenant Colonel Mandeep Singh Negi made a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne at the Defence Ministry in the Defence Headquarters Complex in Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte, Today (Dec 20).


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Newly appointed Bangladesh DA calls on Defence Secretary

The newly appointed Bangladesh Defence Advisor (DA), Commodore M Moniruzzaman paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne at the Defence Ministry in the Defence Headquarters Complex, Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte, today (Dec 20).


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“Colours Nite - 2022” of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University

Celebrating and honouring the achievements of 223 KDU sportsmen and sportswomen for their exceptional performance in sports during the year 2022, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) ceremonially conducted its “Colours Nite – 2022” on 12th December 2023 at the Auditorium of Faculty of Graduate Studies of KDU. General SHS Kottegoda (Retd) WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc, the Chancellor of KDU graced this historic event as the Chief Guest.


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SLSR Warrant Officer Carries Silver & Bronze Medals in
‘Asian Powerlifting Championship - 2023’

The Warrant Officer II, S.S Pradeep of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) won 3 Silver medals and 1 Bronze medal in the recent ‘Asian Powerlifting Championship - 2023’, held in Malaysia during 10 - 18 December.


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Mullattivu, Wanni & Jaffna Troops Busy with Flood Relief Work

228 civilians of 109 families, affected by torrential rains and floods in Mullaittivu and its suburbs were evacuated to safer places by 8 Sri Lanka Artillery troops of the Security Force Headquarters - Mullaitivu in the past 48 hours ending Monday (18 Dec) afternoon.


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Inclement weather likely to continue

Showers will occur at times in the Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces. Several spells of showers may occur in the Hambantota district too.


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Pacific Augmentation Team (PAT) and Special Operation Command Pacific (SOCPAC) officials call on the Commander

The Pacific Augmentation Team (PAT) and Special Operation Command Pacific (SOCPAC) officials from the United States of America paid a courtesy call on the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa at Air Force Headquarters yesterday (15 December 2023).


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KDU hosts Signature Seminar 2023 responding to Disinformation and
Building Disinformation Resilience

General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University's Faculty of Defence & Strategic Studies (FDSS) and the Centre for Strategic Assessment (CSA) hosted the Signature Seminar addressing the issues of Responding to Disinformation and Building Disinformation Resilience with the gracious presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. M.U.M. Ali Sabry PC MP as the Chief Guest on December 14.


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No one can curtail the sacred duty bestowed upon the Defence Forces to
safeguard the sovereignty of the nation

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, emphasizing the monumental responsibility borne by the security forces, underscored that protecting the sovereignty of the country is paramount. The President clearly stated that no external interference or restriction shall be tolerated.


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Sri Lanka Coast Guard rehearsed medium level oil spill response and management exercise at Naval Dockyard Trincomalee

Sri Lanka Coast Guard acts as a first responder to oil & chemical spill response and management in Sri Lanka as per National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCOP). Therefore, it is essential to maintain ready force to face such emergencies.


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Navy continues flood relief efforts in Anuradhapura

In the wake of inclement weather, the Navy mobilized its relief teams in Parakramapura of Padaviya, Anuradhapura since 03rd December 2023. Committed to their relief efforts, the Navy teams have been continuing their services in full swing even today (15th December).


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President Wickremesinghe highlights Global Shifts in Military Landscape at the DSCSC Award ceremony

In a compelling speech delivered at the Defence Services Command and staff College (DSCSC) Course 17 Award Ceremony today (14), President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for a broader international perspective in military education and highlighted the evolving global landscape. The ceremony, held at Nelum Pokuna, with a diverse group of students, including participants from countries beyond Sri Lanka.


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Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office established in Welisara Naval Complex

Charting a new course towards maritime security and economic prosperity, the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) was declared open at the Welisara Naval Complex today (14th December 2023), under the patronage of the State Minister of Defence, Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon. The milestone event was also attended by the Secretary of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and Chief Hydrographer of the Navy, Commodore Kosala Warnakulasooriya.


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Australian Defence Advisor makes farewell call on Defence Secretary

The outgoing Defence Advisor of the Australian High Commission in Colombo, Captain Ian Cain made his farewell call on the Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne at the Defence Headquarters Complex in Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte today (Dec 13).


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Outgoing Pakistan High Commissioner meets Defence Secretary

The outgoing High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Major General Umar Farooq Burki (Retd) made a farewell call on to Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne at the Defence Headquarters Complex in Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte today (Dec 13).


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Building resilient communities starts with an informed and empowered public - Defence Secretary

Public awareness, education, and training initiatives are the building blocks of resilience. Our collaboration with SAARC countries is not just a diplomatic formality; it's a bond forged in the crucible of shared experiences.


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Egyptian Ambassador meets State Minister Tennakoon

Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka, H.E. Maged Mosleh met the State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon at his office in Colombo today (Dec 13).


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Australian High Commissioner and Defence Secretary talk on
strengthening border cooperation

A delegation led by Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, H.E. Paul Stephens met Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne at the Defence Headquarters Complex, Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte today (Dec 12) and had a cordial  discussion.


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Special discussion on inclement weather related emergencies
held at Emergency Operations Centre

State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon chaired a special discussion on the wet weather related emergency situation presently being experienced in the country at the Emergency Operations Centre of the Disaster Management Centre in Colombo, yesterday (Dec 11).


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State Minister of Defence meets Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Delegation

Senior officials of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) met with  the State Minister of Defence in Sri Lanka Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon at his office in Colombo yesterday (Dec. 11).