Archives
Maldivian Defence Advisor Calls on Defence Secretary
Defence Advisor at the High Commission of the Republic of Maldives in Colombo, Colonel Hassan Amir paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (July 02).
MOD Reviews Progress of Defence Headquarters Complex Construction
A high-level progress review meeting on the Defence Headquarters Complex project was held today (July 1, 2025) at the Ministry of Defence, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
SLN and SLAF Mobilized to Rescue Distressed Fishermen
A fishing trawler carrying five fishermen capsized off the southern coast of Koggala and another empty dinghy boat washed on Aluthgama beach earlier today (June 28), prompting an immediate rescue operation coordinated by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and Air Force (SLAF).
New Army Chief of Staff assumes office
Major General D.K.S.K Dolage USP, nps, psc of the Sri Lanka Engineers has been appointed as the 67th Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army. He officially assumed office on Thursday (June 26) during a formal ceremony held at the Army Headquarters.
Press Release
Human Trafficking has been identified as the fastest growing organized crime in the world, which has become a challenge not only for Sri Lanka but also for the entire international community.
US Institute for Security Governance Delegation Meets with
Sri Lankan Defence Top Brass
A representative delegation from the US Institute for Security Governance (ISG) held official meetings with Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) and Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) on separate occasions recently. Discussions focused on building capacity and military capabilities.
UN Human Rights Chief Holds Talks with Sri Lankan Officials
A delegation from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Volker Türk, engaged in discussions with a Sri Lankan delegation headed by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Ananda Wijayapala, and the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), on Tuesday (June 24) at Deputy Minister's Office.
“You Cannot Manage What You Do Not Measure”: Sri Lanka Marks
World Hydrography Day 2025
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), graced the World Hydrography Day 2025 celebrations as the Chief Guest at the Wave’n Lake Navy Banquet Hall in Welisara on 24 June. The event, held under the theme “Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action”, brought together distinguished dignitaries, foreign delegates, senior naval officers, academics, students and stakeholders from the hydrographic community.
IOM & NAHTTF Launch Islandwide Anti-Trafficking Media Drive with
Japan’s Support
The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched an island-wide television and radio campaign today (Jun 24) to raise awareness on trafficking-in-persons. Implemented with funding support from the Government of Japan, the initiative highlights the dangers of human trafficking and encourages reporting suspected cases of trafficking-in-persons.
Deputy Minister of Defence Graces IPSC Nationals 2025 Awarding Ceremony
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), attended the awarding ceremony of the Sri Lanka International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) and Handgun Level III Nationals – 2025 as the Chief Guest. He was warmly welcomed by the President of the National Rifle Association of Sri Lanka (NRASL), Air Vice Marshal Ruwan Chandima. The prestigious event took place at the Wave’n Lake Navy Banquet Hall, Welisara, on Sunday (June 22).
Celebrating Yoga for One Earth, One Health
The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was commemorated in a vibrant gathering at Independence Square, Colombo, today (June 21), with the presence of the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), as a special invitee. The event was organized by the High Commission of India in Colombo.
Stakeholder Dialogue on Drone Operations Held at Ministry of
Defence to Enhance Regulatory Efficiency
A high - level stakeholder dialogue on drone operations was held at the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday (June 17), under the patronage of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd). The session was convened with the objective of fostering regulatory coherence and improving operational efficiency in Sri Lanka’s rapidly growing drone sector.
Army Chief of Staff Bids Farewell to Defence Secretary
The Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, Major General Chandana Wickramasinghe, paid a farewell courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), today (June 20) at the Ministry of Defence.
Outgoing U.S. Defence Attaché Bids Farewell to Defence Secretary
The outgoing Defence Attaché (DA) of the United States (US) in Sri Lanka, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony C. Nelson, paid a farewell courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), today (June 20) at the Ministry of Defence.
Government Acts to Curb Illegal Fishing Concerns along Eastern Coastline
The Government has implemented a series of proactive measures to address escalating concerns about illegal fishing activities along the eastern coastal region spanning Trincomalee to Potuvil.
Sri Aviation Unit Executes Daring Casevac Mission in Hostile Zemio
The Sri Aviation Unit Bria, operating under the United Nations mandate in the Central African Republic, successfully executed a critical Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) mission on 14 June 2025 amidst a highly hostile environment. The operation involved an Mi-17 helicopter (UNO 326P) tasked with the urgent onsite casualty pickup of three UN personnel from Zemio who were severely wounded in combat.
Vietnamese Ambassador Calls on Defence Secretary
Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Mrs. Trinh Thi Tam, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), today (June 18) at the Ministry of Defence.
New US DA Calls on Deputy Minister of Defence
Newly appointed Defence Attaché (DA) to the United States (US) in Sri Lanka, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew House, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), today (June 18) at his office.
MOD Staff Join Hands to Save Lives at SVU Blood Drive
A blood donation campaign, organised by the Sava Vanitha Unit (SVU) of the Ministry of Defence, drew a large number of Defence Ministry staffers today (June 18). The programme, held under the guidance of the Chairperson of the SVU, Dr. (Mrs) Ruvini Rasika Perera, in view of World Blood Donor Day, commenced at the Ministry premises this morning.
Ministerial Consultative Committee on Defence convenes
under the patronage of Hon. President
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Defence met yesterday (17) in Parliament under the Chairmanship of the Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Minister of Defence.
Defence Secretary Chairs a Meeting on MRIA Perimeter Fence Damages
Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) presided over a meeting today (June 17) to address the ongoing issues concerning the perimeter fence of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA). The primary focus of the discussion was the recurring damages caused to the fence as a result of elephant intrusions in the surrounding area.
Central Bus Stand Colombo Revamp under Clean Sri Lanka Initiative
The Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, along with the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), undertook an inspection tour of the Central Bus Stand in Colombo today (June 16). The visit was aimed at reviewing plans for the upcoming renovation of this vital public transport hub.
Sri Lanka Charts a Disaster-Resilient Path with NDMP 2023 - 2030
The National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) 2023 - 2030 Sensitization Workshop, held today (June 16) at Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo City Centre, marked a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s national resilience strategy. Organized by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) under the Ministry of Defence, the workshop brought together key stakeholders from government, international organizations, NGOs and the private sector.
Defence Ministry Reviews It’s Strategic Plan 2025
The Ministry of Defence launched a workshop for the preparation of the Strategic Plan 2025-2029 at the Malima Club House, Uswetakeiyawa today (June 14). This significant event aims to set the direction for national defence priorities and operational excellence over the next five years. Senior officials and planning experts gathered to share insights and lay the foundation for an actionable and forward-looking strategy.
NACWC Conducts Awareness Program on Safe Handling of Household
Chemicals at Ministry of Defence
The National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) conducted a one-day awareness program on the Safe Handling of Household Chemicals and Chemical Safety and Security on Thursday (June 12) at the Nandimitra Conference Hall, Ministry of Defence.