News
Discussion on the Preparation of New Project Proposals for
Year 2027 Held at Ministry of Defence
A discussion on the guidelines to be followed when preparing new project proposals for the year 2027 was held today (06 February) at the Ministry of Defence premises with the participation of Defence Ministry officials. The programme was held in the presence of the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
INS GHARIAL makes port call in Colombo
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) GHARIAL made a port call in Colombo for operational turnarounds on 04 Feb 26. The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship in compliance with naval traditions.
Meeting Held to Study Feasibility of Introducing Skydiving in Sri Lanka
A meeting to study the feasibility of introducing skydiving activities in Sri Lanka was held at the Ministry of Defence today (05 February). The meeting was chaired by the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
Maldives High Commissioner Pays Courtesy Call on Defence Secretary
The High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to Sri Lanka, H.E. Masood Imad, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Ministry of Defence today (5 February).
Italian Defence Attaché Calls On Defence Secretary
The Defence Attaché of Embassy of Italy in New Delhi and accredited to Sri Lanka, Captain (Navy) Armando Paolo SIMI, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Defence Ministry today (5 February).
HL-FRAC Meeting Chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence at Parliament Complex
The High-Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC) convened another session this week (03 Feb) at the Parliament Complex under the chairmanship of the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). The meeting aimed to review the coordination of foreign relief assistance and to implement decisive measures that guarantee full transparency and operational efficiency across all relief efforts.
Defence Secretary Attends Reception in Honour of Diplomatic Corps
The Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), attended a reception held in honour of the Diplomatic Corps today (04 February) at the Cinnamon Grand hotel in Colombo.
“Rebuilding Sri Lanka”
Let us unite and dedicate ourselves to building a new Sri Lanka founded on the essence of our proud history.
78th Independence Day Celebrated with National Pride
Sri Lanka’s 78th National Independence Day was celebrated today (04 February) with a grand state ceremony held at Independence Square in Colombo under the theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka.”
Independence Day Message - 2026
We commemorate the 78th National Independence Day at a historic moment when, despite numerous challenges, our country is moving steadily forward while regaining economic stability. As Sri Lankans, through our collective struggle, we have within a short period of approximately eighteen months succeeded in achieving tangible economic progress. Amidst adversity, acting collectively and with determination, we have been able to position Sri Lanka on the international stage as a nation branded by a clean and principled political culture, a beautiful country rising with integrity.
Ministry Of Defence Conducts Cybersecurity Awareness Program For The Ministry Of Women And Child Affairs
In a proactive effort to strengthen the nation’s digital security, under the direction of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and the Chief of National Intelligence, the Defence Cyber Command (DCC) of the Ministry of Defence conducted its second Cybersecurity Awareness Program on 30 January (2026) for the staff of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, including national-level Women’s and Child Unit officers from the Colombo and Gampaha Districts.
Progress Review Meeting on Pettah Bus Terminal Renovation
Project Held at Ministry of Defence
A high-level progress review meeting on the renovation of the Pettah Bus Terminal in Colombo was held Today (03 February) at the Ministry of Defence chaired by the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
Defence Secretary Inspect Renovation Work at Colombo Central Bus Terminal
The Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) accompanied by the Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, and Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Sajeewa Kanakaratne visited the Central Bus Terminal in Colombo today (2 February) to inspect the ongoing renovation work being carried out there.
Pakistan High Commissioner Pays Farewell Courtesy Calls on Deputy Minister of Defence and Defence Secretary
The outgoing High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Major General (Retd) Faheem-Ul-Aziz, paid farewell calls on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), today (02 February).
Defence Secretary Engages with War Veterans and War Hero
Families at Public Day
Demonstrating the Ministry of Defence’s continued dedication to the welfare of war veterans and War Hero families, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) presided over the Public Day programme held at the Ministry premises today (30 January).
Australian High Commissioner Pays Courtesy Call on Defence Secretary
The Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mathew Duckworth, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (29 January).
Defence Secretary Attends Press Briefing on the 78th
National Independence Day Celebrations
The arrangements and preparations for the upcoming 78th National Independence Day celebrations were outlined at a media briefing held today (29 January) at the Department of Government Information.
Sri Lanka Unveils Five‑Year National Action Plan to Strengthen Anti‑Human Trafficking Efforts
The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) officially launched the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking (2026–2030) on 28 January 2026, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to eliminating all forms of human trafficking and strengthening coordinated national responses.
Netherlands Ambassador Strengthens Bilateral Ties in Meeting with the
Deputy Minister of Defence
His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka, Mr. Wiebe de Boer paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at his office in Colombo yesterday (26 Jan).
Deputy Minister of Defence Presides Over Public Day in Gampaha
In a significant move to strengthen community engagement, the Ministry of Defence has launched the 'Public Day' initiative. This program is designed to establish a direct and accessible channel of communication, allowing the Ministry to listen, understand, and collaboratively address the concerns of the retired and disabled veterans, the families of the fallen and the general public to share their concerns and collaborate on solutions.
SL Air Force Deploys 11th Aviation Contingent to UN Mission
While 10th Returns
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) yesterday deployed its 11th Aviation Contingent to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), while the main group of the 10th SLAF Aviation Contingent returned home after completing a one-year deployment.
Omani and Indonesian Navy Ships Arrive in Colombo
Two foreign naval vessels of the Royal Navy of Oman and the Indonesian Navy arrived at the Port of Colombo today (22 January 2026) on scheduled port calls.
Defence Cyber Command Conducts Cybersecurity Awareness Programme for Ministry of Defence and Affiliated Organizations
The Defence Cyber Command conducted a Cybersecurity Awareness Programme for the staff of the Ministry of Defence and all affiliated organizations, including the Tri-Services and the Police, on 20 January 2026 at the Nandimithra Auditorium, Ministry of Defence.
Deputy Minister Emphasizes Armed Forces Support and Accountability
at HL-FRAC Meeting
The eighth session meeting of the High Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC) was held at the office of the Deputy Minister of Defence yesterday (21 January), chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). The meeting was held with a focus on strengthening coordination, transparency, and efficiency in the management of foreign relief assistance.