‘Engineering the Future Combat and Non-Combat Readiness’
Deputy Minister of Defence Delivers Keynote Address at the
Combat Engineers Symposium 2025
April 03, 2025
‘In an era defined by rapid technological shifts, evolving threats and complex global challenges, adaptability is not just an option; it is a necessity.’ Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), underscored this very sentiment while addressing the distinguished gathering at the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers Symposium held at Grand Maitland, Colombo today (Apr 3).
The Deputy Minister was warmly received by the Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, Major General Lanka Amarapala, on his arrival at the venue. The symposium revolved around the critical theme of "Adapting for the Future: Strategic Approaches of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers Blueprint for the Evolving Geostrategic Landscape."
In his address, the Deputy Minister emphasized the indispensable role of the Corps of Engineers in nation-building. He highlighted the government’s flagship initiative, ‘Clean Sri Lanka,’ which extends beyond environmental concerns to a broader vision of societal transformation. Engineers, he noted, are uniquely positioned to leverage their expertise in national infrastructure development and the promotion of sustainable practices.
He further addressed the growing demand for Sri Lankan military expertise in international peacekeeping and humanitarian operations. Accordingly, the Corps of Engineers is set to play a pivotal role in UN peace support missions, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief (HADR) operations and demining efforts.
Concluding his speech, Major General Jayasekara (Retd) reaffirmed the Corps’ crucial contribution to Sri Lanka’s security landscape. He underscored that the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers is not just a combat unit but a transformative force, ready to adapt, innovate and lead in both military and civil domains.
The opening ceremony of the symposium was also attended by the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Chief of Staff Major General Chandana Wickramasinghe and senior officers from the Tri-Forces.
