News
Australian National Day Celebrations Held in Colombo
The Australian High Commission in Colombo hosted a vibrant celebration on Monday (Jan 27) to mark the Australian National Day, which lies on 26 January. The event was attended by the Minister of Health and Mass Media Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa, as the Chief Guest.
Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa Makes Farewell
Call on Deputy Minister of Defence
The outgoing Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, made a formal farewell call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at his office in Colombo on Monday (Jan 27).
Outgoing Air Force Commander Bids Farewell to Defence Secretary
The outgoing Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, made a farewell call on the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), today (Jan 27) at the Defence Ministry in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte.
Indian High Commission Hosts 76th Republic Day Ceremony
The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka celebrated India’s 76th Republic Day with a grand event held at the Indian House in Colombo on Sunday (Jan 26).
NDC Commandant calls on Deputy Minister of Defence
The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Major General Chamila Munasinghe (Retd), called on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), today (Jan 27) at the Deputy Minister’s office.
Deputy Minister of Defence Commends Midshipman Tennakoon for Outstanding Achievement at Pakistan Naval Academy
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), extended his sincere congratulations to Midshipman T.M.I. Vimukthi Tennakoon of Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in recognition of earning the prestigious Sword of Honour at the recent Commissioning Parade of the 122nd Midshipmen and 30th Short Service Commission (SSC) Course at the Pakistan Naval Academy (PNA), Karachi.
26th ASEAN Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities / Colleges / Institutions Meeting successfully concluded
KDU hosts ARF- HDUCIM International Forum from 22nd to 25th at Galle Face Hotel
Ministry of Defence hosts another Awareness Programme on the
Clean Sri Lanka initiative
The Ministry of Defence conducted another awareness programme today (Jan 24) to raise awareness and educate the ministry staffers about the "Clean Sri Lanka" project. This initiative, spearheaded by the government on the president's directions, aims to address key socio-economic challenges, including alleviating rural poverty, promoting digitalization, and combating corruption.
Deputy Minister of Defence highlights the importance of Defence Education
and Regional Cooperation at ASEAN Regional Forum – HDUCIM
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) addressing the 26th ASEAN Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities, Colleges, and Institutions Meeting (ARF-HDUCIM), emphasized the critical role of defence education in adapting to global transitions and strengthening regional security.
New Director General appointed to the CSD
The newly appointed Director General of the Civil Security Department (CSD) Major General KHP Palitha Fernando (Retd), received his Letter of Appointment on Jan 23.
DSCSC Commandant calls on the Defence Secretary
Commandant of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) Major General HHKSS Hewage made a call on the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Defence Ministry, today (Jan 22).
Army troops assist flood affected communities
Sri Lanka Army troops are involved in disaster relief activities in several parts of the country affected by floods. According to Army media sources, troops took prompt action to repair the damaged parts of the bunds of Mahanochchikulam in Galkulama, Kiri Ibba lake in Horowpothana and Sinnasittikulam lake in Palugaswewa.
Ministry of Defence holds a special discussion on
regulating private sector security services
A focused discussion was convened at the office of the Deputy Minister of Defence, on Monday (20) to review the operations of private-sector security services, address existing challenges, and establish a comprehensive framework for regulating these services.
Press conference held to raise awareness on the disaster situation caused
by the prevailing weather in the island
Government has approved an increase in the compensation for loss of life due to disasters, from 250,000 to 1 million rupees.
World Bank delegation meets Deputy Minister of Defence
to discuss the CResMPA project
A delegation of the World Bank’s management headed by the Regional Country Director (Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka), Mr. David Sislen, met the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), on Monday (Jan 20) at his office in Colombo.
Defence Ministry Supports War Veterans and Families on Public Day
The Ministry of Defence hosted its Public Day program at the Ministry premises, led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.) on January 10, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of war veterans and the families of fallen heroes. The initiative, aligned with the directives of H.E. the President and Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence, provided essential support to retired, disabled veterans, and families of the fallen.
Sri Lankan and Maldivian Coast Guards Strengthen
Oil Spill Response Capabilities
Ten (10) Sri Lankan officers, including nine (09) from the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG), successfully completed IMO Level 1 and Level 2 training alongside participants from the Maldives Coast Guard and the Maldives Environment Protection Agency. The comprehensive training program, organized by Ambipar in collaboration with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and funded by the Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP), SLCG media says.
Rainy weather to continue - Met Department
The Meteorology Department in its latest forecast issued today (Jan 20) morning says the prevailing rainy condition to continue further. It says showers or thundershowers will occur in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces. The island is experiencing widespread rains causing flooding in low lying areas of several rivers.
SLAF unveils Eagles’ Citadel golf course in Sigiriya to boost tourism
The Sri Lanka Air Force officially opened its newest golf course, the Eagles’ Citadel Golf Course, constructed to international standards, at SLAF Station Sigiriya today (17 January 2025). The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) and graced by the presence of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa.
Commander’s Cup - 2025 concludes at picturesque
Eagles Golf links in China Bay
The Sri Lanka Air Force and the Eagles’ Golf Links hosted the Commander’s Cup - 2025 Annual Golf Tournament, which was concluded today (18 January 2025) in the picturesque settings of China Bay, close to the harbour city of Trincomalee. This year’s tournament was powered by Dialog Enterprise as the Exclusive Main Sponsor which made it much more glamorous and memorable for the participants.
Navy stands ready with relief teams to respond flood emergency
As severe weather conditions threaten several areas in the island, the Sri Lanka Navy proactively deployed 02 relief teams on 15th January 2025, to the vulnerable area of Buddhangala in Padaviya, Anuradhapura. These teams are actively engaged in disaster relief operations, working tirelessly to provide necessary aid and support to affected communities.
Sri Lanka Army Troops Assist the Nationwide
Paddy Storage Cleaning Operations
Under the guidance of the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake the ongoing "Clean Sri Lanka" National Programme is being conducted across the country. In parallel, the government is set to launch a programme to purchase paddy from the upcoming Maha season harvest. Following the procurement, the government has also planned to utilise 209 paddy storage facilities owned by the Paddy Marketing Board.
Acting Minister of Defence addresses Welfare issues of
Fallen War Heroes Families and Disabled Veterans
The Acting Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) chaired a meeting yesterday (Jan 17) to address the welfare issues of the families of fallen war heroes and disabled veterans.
Defence Secretary graces Air Force Passing Out ceremony
Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) was the Chief Guest of the Air Force Passing Out ceremony held at the Air Force Academy in China Bay, Trincomalee, on Thursday (16 January). The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, received the Secretary upon his arrival at the venue.
'Engage in your national duty with strong self-discipline and true commitment'
- Acting Minister of Defence
‘To recover from the present crisis faced by the country, we should take up our duty with a strong sense of self-discipline and true commitment and must act with responsibility and accountability’ stated Acting Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) while speaking during his visit to the Army Hospital - Colombo, yesterday (Jan 16).