Archives
Deputy Minister of Defence Unveils Commemorative SLLI History Book
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), ceremonially launched the official history book of the 1st Battalion of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) on Wednesday (May 21). The launch was held at the SLLI auditorium in Panagoda in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the 1st Battalion of SLLI.
Deputy Minister of Defence Hosts Strategic Dialogue with RCDS Delegation
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), presided over a high-level strategic dialogue with a delegation from the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), United Kingdom (UK), at the Ministry of Defence in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, today (May 21).
Defence Secretary Attends National Aeronautical Search and
Rescue Committee Meeting
The National Aeronautical Search and Rescue Committee (NASC) convened today (May 21) at the Maganeguma - Mahamedura Complex in Battaramulla. The meeting was attended by Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), who serves as the Co -Chairman of the Committee.
Visit of RCDS Delegation to INSS
A delegation from the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) of the United Kingdom arrived in Sri Lanka as part of their study tour and visited the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), the premier national security think tank established under and functioning within the Ministry of Defence. The RCDS is a world-renowned institution dedicated to developing strategic thinkers and leaders within the armed forces and civil service who have the potential to reach the highest ranks and operate effectively at the strategic level in cross -government and international environments.
Israeli Ambassador Calls on Defence Secretary
The Ambassador of Israel to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Reuven Javier Azar, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, today (May 20).
Ministry of Defence Establishes Internal Affairs Unit
In line with the directives issued through a Presidential Secretariat Circular, under the guidance of the Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Internal Affairs Units (IAUs) are being established across all state institutions to facilitate the submission of inquiries and complaints regarding public service delivery, in accordance with the 2025–2029 National Anti-Corruption Plan. Accordingly, the Ministry of Defence established its IAU today (May 20) at the Ministry premises, under the patronage of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuiyacontha (Retd).
President Graces 16th National War Heroes Day
Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, presided over the 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony held today (May 19) at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte. The event honoured the heroic sacrifices of the Tri-Forces, Police and Civil Security Department (CSD) personnel who laid down their lives in service to the nation.
Deputy Minister of Defence Visits War Heroes at Ranaviru Sevana
In commemoration of Victory Day, Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) paid a visit to the Ranaviru Sevana in Ragama today (May 19).
Deputy Minister of Defence Inaugurates
80th CISM General Assembly and Congress
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) officially inaugurated the 80th General Assembly and Congress of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) at a ceremonial event held at The Grand Maitland Hotel in Colombo today (May 19).
Victory Day
Let's unite and work towards building a better country for the future generation...
President to Preside Over the 16th National War Heroes
Commemoration Ceremony
The 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony will be held on May 19, 2025, at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, under the esteemed patronage of Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Deputy Minister of Defence Graces Colourful ‘Bakmaha Ulela’
Celebrations at Ministry of Defence
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) attended the vibrant Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival, ‘Bakmaha Ulela’, organised by the Ministry of Defence at the Defence Headquarters Complex yesterday (May 16). The event, filled with traditional games, customs, and cultural performances, brought together military and civil staff in a spirited celebration of unity and heritage.
COSATT-INSS-KAS CONFERENCE ON ‘MARITIME SECURITY OF SMALL, MIDDLE AND ISLAND NATIONS: BETWEEN COMPETITION, COOPERATION AND CO-EXISTENCE’
The international conference on ‘Maritime Security of Small, Middle and Island Nations: Between Competition, Cooperation and Co-Existence’ was successfully held from 15 -16 May 2025 at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The event was co-organised by the Consortium of South Asian Think Tanks (COSATT), the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS).
Press conference held to announce the preparations for the 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony
The Ministry of Defence today (May 16) convened a press conference to announce the preparations for the 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony, which will take place on 19 May 2025 at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte.
International Conference on Maritime Security Inaugurated in Colombo
The two-day International Conference, jointly organized by the Consortium of South Asian Think Tanks (COSATT), the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), was inaugurated today (15 May) at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo. The theme of the conference is “Maritime Security of Small, Middle, and Island Nations: Between Competition, Cooperation, and Co-existence.”
Deputy Minister of Defence Joins Third Day of ‘Buddha Rashmi 2025’
National Vesak Zone opening ceremony
The opening ceremony for the third day of the 'Buddha Rashmi 2025' National Vesak Zone took place last evening, with the participation of Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.). The event, a joint initiative of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat, and the Prime Minister’s Office, continues to serve as a beacon of spiritual and cultural celebration in the heart of Colombo.
Sri Lanka Hosts 7th International Defence Attachés Course in
Collaboration with GCSP
The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence in Sri Lanka (MOD), launched the 7th International Defence Attachés Course on May 14 at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), Colombo. The one-week long programme which brings together participants from over 35 countries, will run from 14 to 21 May 2025.
Defence Secretary Inaugurates ‘සිරසා නමාමි වෙසක් කලාපය 2025’ in Colombo
A special procession of sacred relics set the tone for the celebrations, enriching the spiritual significance of the festival. The event also features the 'Vesak Thorana' with vibrant artistic illuminations, a Vesak Bakthi Geetha show with performances by esteemed artists and choirs, and multiple Dansal offering free food and refreshments to devotees, reinforcing the core values of Vesak. In a unique addition to this year's event, the Department of Archaeology has curated an exhibition featuring historical Buddhist artifacts, allowing visitors to connect with Sri Lanka’s rich religious heritage.
Vesak Day Message
The Vesak Full Moon Poya Day, which marks the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana of the Lord Buddha, is a day of profound significance for Buddhists worldwide. It was on such a sacred Vesak Day that the Buddha, having fulfilled the Perfections (P?ramit?s), vanquished the forces of M?ra, cultivated wisdom through the Middle Path, realised the Four Noble Truths and eradicated all defilements to attain Supreme Enlightenment (Samm? Sambuddha).
Happy Vesak Ceremony
"Bhajetha mitte kalyane-bhajetha purisuttame"
Let us associate with noble friends, endowed with virtuous qualities
Expression of Gratitude
The Ministry of Defence extends its profound appreciation to the local community of Maduruoya, the medical professionals and personnel of the Aralaganwila Divisional Hospital and Polonnaruwa Base Hospital, and the dedicated members of the fire and ambulance services for their invaluable assistance following the Bell 212 helicopter accident on 9 May 2025 at the Special Forces Camp during a passing-out parade display performance rehearsals.
Sri Lanka Army Hands Over 40.70 Acres of Land
to Civilian Owners in Jaffna
A total of 40.70 acres of land, divided into three separate plots, was officially handed over to civilian ownership under a Land Releasing Programme conducted at the Jaffna District Secretariat on 01 May 2025.
Defence Secretary Graces 80th Russian Victory Day Celebrations
The 80th Victory Day Anniversary of the Russian Federation was commemorated on Monday (May 5) at the Russian House in Colombo. Gracing the event as Chief Guest, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) delivered an address honouring the sacrifices made during the Great Patriotic War.
Pakistan NDU Delegation Visits Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence
A delegation from the Pakistan National Defence University (NDU), headed by Commodore Muhammad Ali, paid a visit to the Ministry of Defence at the Defence Headquarters Complex in Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte, today (May 05).
ICRC Head of Delegation Meets Defence Secretary
Ms. Severine Chappaz, Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Sri Lanka, met with Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Ministry of Defence in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte today (May 05).