News
President joins Inauguration of Exhibition and Air Display Marking 75th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Air Force
The exhibition and air display organised to mark the 75th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force was inaugurated this afternoon (06) at the Sri Lanka Air Force Base in Ratmalana, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Ranaviru Seva Authority Awards Scholarships to Children of Veteran Families
The Ranaviru Seva Authority (RSA) conducted a special ceremony today (Mar 06) to award scholarships to the children of fallen and disabled veterans under its educational empowerment programme.
The Deputy Minister of Defence and the Defence Secretary attended the reception held to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), attended a formal reception at the ITC Ratnadeepa Hotel in Colombo yesterday (March 05) to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.
Sri Lanka Navy Joint Rescue Operation Rescues Survivors from Iranian Vessel in Distress in Southern Sea off Galle
The Sri Lanka Navy, in coordination with the Sri Lanka Air Force, launched a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation following a distress signal received by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Colombo (MRCC Colombo) at 5:08 a.m. on Wednesday (March 04) regarding a vessel in distress in sea south of Galle.
Deputy Minister Defence and Secretary Defence Grace Sri Lanka Air Force 75th Anniversary Reception
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) hosted a reception yesterday (March 03) in view of its 75th Anniversary, commemorating over decades of distinguished and honorable service to the nation. The event, held at the Eagles’ Lakeside Banquet and Convention Hall in Attidiya last evening, celebrated the proud legacy forged through the dedication, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have served their country with loyalty and selflessness.
Deputy Minister Defence and Secretary Defence Graces Sri Lanka Air Force 75th Anniversary Medal Awarding Ceremony
The Sri Lanka Air Force marked its 75th Anniversary with a Medal Awarding Ceremony held at the Sri Lanka Air Force Headquarters today (3 March) as part of its anniversary celebration.
Deputy Minister of Defence Addresses Veterans’ Concerns at Public Day Programme in Hambantota
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), presided over a Public Day Programme held on 02 March in Hambantota.
PDNA Validation Meeting Sets Foundation for Structured National Recovery Following Cyclone ‘Ditwah’
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC), in partnership with the Department of National Planning (NPD) and other key national and international development partners, is leading the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA). The process is systematically collecting, analyzing, and evaluating data on physical damage, economic losses, and social impacts across all affected sectors, adhering to an established timeline.
MOD Hosts after Action Review to Strengthen National Disaster Response Framework
The large scale flooding and landslides caused by ‘Cyclone Ditwah’ required rapid, coordinated action across multiple civilian and military agencies. While the response mitigated significant impacts, it also revealed critical operational, structural, and institutional gaps within the national disaster management system. To identify best practices for institutionalization, gaps and systemic weaknesses, and develop achievable improvements for the emergency response system, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) convened a comprehensive After Action Review (AAR) today (27 Feb).
High Level Committee Reviews Progress of Foreign Relief Aid Coordination
The High Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC) convened another session yesterday (26 Feb) chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) at his office in Colombo.
New Regulations to be Introduced to Streamline the Private Security Services Sector
The Cabinet has approved a comprehensive set of measures to strengthen the regulatory framework governing the private security sector, aimed at improving professionalism, service quality, and efficiency in line with national priorities. Under the new framework, initiated by the Ministry of Defence, private security institutions will be subject to stricter registration and licensing procedures, clearer categorisation of services, and enhanced supervision to ensure accountability. The importance of introducing recognized training standards, competency requirements, and professional codes of conduct has also been emphasized to elevate the overall standards of the industry.
Deputy Minister Chairs Special Meeting to Resolve Land Issues Faced by War Heroes
A special meeting was convened today (24 February) at the Ministry of Defence under the chairmanship of the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), to discuss land-related issues identified by the Ranaviru Seva Authority and the Directorate of Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation Services affecting war heroes and their family members, and to provide prompt solutions.
Defence Secretary Makes Inspection Visit to Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital
Following the recent Cabinet decision to hand over the management of the Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital (NFTH) in Malabe to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) paid an official inspection visit to the hospital today (23 February). He was received by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, upon his arrival.
Deputy Defence Minister Attends Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day Celebration
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Sri Lanka hosted a grand reception celebrating 298 years of history since 1727, at the ITC Ratnadeepa Hotel, Colombo yesterday (20 Feb).
U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Meets The Deputy Minister of Defence
Admiral Stephen T. "Web" Koehler, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, who is on an official visit to Sri Lanka from 19 to 21 February 2026, met the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) at his office in Colombo on 20th February.
Deputy Minister of Defence and Defence Secretary Graces Russian “Defender of the Fatherland Day” Ceremony
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), graced the Russian “Defender of the Fatherland Day” ceremony as the chief guest held at the Cinnamon Life, City of Dreams Hotel in Colombo yesterday (19 February). The Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) were also in attendece of the occasion which, the event organized by the Russian Embassy in Colombo.
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE CONDUCTS CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS PROGRAM FOR THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD AFFAIRS
In a proactive effort to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity, and under the direction of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and the Chief of National Intelligence, the Defence Cyber Command conducted its third Cybersecurity Awareness Programme on 19 February 2026 for the staff of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, including national-level Women’s and Child Unit officers from the Kalutara and Colombo Districts.
Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet Meets Defence Secretary
The Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet, Admiral Stephen T. Koehler, met with the Defence Secretary,Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (19 February).
High Commissioner of South Africa Calls on Defence Secretary
The High Commissioner of South Africa to Sri Lanka, H.E. Sandile Edwin Schalk, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Ministry of Defence today (19 February).
Defence Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to the Welfare of Ex-Servicemen on the Public Day
The Ministry of Defence reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the ensuring welfare of Veterans during its Public Day program, held at the Ministry premises today (18 February). The event took place under the patronage of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
High Level Discussion on Combating Illegal Fishing Activities
Held at the Parliament Complex
A high level meeting on combating illegal fishing activities was convened yesterday (17 Feb) at the Parliament Complex. The meeting was jointly chaired by the Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, the Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.), and the Hon. Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Rathna Gamage
Netherlands Ambassador Calls on Defence Secretary at Ministry of Defence
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka, H.E. Wiebe De Boer, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence premises today (17 February).
Indonesian Ambassador Calls on Defence Secretary
The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Sri Lanka, H.E. Dewi Gustina Tobing, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), today (17 February) at the Ministry of Defence.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman meets the Sri Lankan Defence Secretary
The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mr. Mohsin Naqvi met the Secretary of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) yesterday evening (16 February).