Archives
Defence Sector Forges Future of National Entrepreneurship
and Innovation Drive
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) chaired a high-level strategic discussion titled “National Entrepreneurship Development and Business Startup-Defence Contribution” today (Jul 18) at his office premises. The session marked a significant inter-ministerial collaboration, aiming to integrate the strengths of the defence sector with national development priorities.
Deputy Minister of Defence Emphasizes Welfare Reforms at
High-Level Briefing on War Veteran Affairs
A high-level briefing on the progress of the Ranaviru Matters Committee and associated cabinet submissions was held this morning (July 18) at the Deputy Minister’s Office in Colombo, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of war veterans and the families of fallen heroes.
Defence Secretary Attends to Grievances of War Veterans and
War Hero Families on Public Day
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to the welfare of war veterans and the families of fallen heroes, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) chaired the Public Day programme at the Ministry premises today (July 16).
Honouring Our Heroes : Public Day Initiative
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to the welfare of war veterans and the families of fallen heroes during the Public Day program held today (Jul 15) at the Deputy Minister’s office premises.
French Bastille Day Celebrates in Colombo
The French National Day, known globally as Fête nationale or Bastille Day, was commemorated at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, yesterday (Jul 14). The occasion brought together senior Sri Lankan officials and diplomats, underscoring the warm and enduring ties between Sri Lanka and France.
Deputy Minister of Defence Visits Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen's Association and Bolagala Veterans' Home
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) undertook a formal visit to the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen's Association (SLESA) and the Bolagala Veterans' Home on Saturday (Jul 12), underscoring the government's continued commitment to the welfare of retired military personnel.
Vietnamese Ambassador Meets Deputy Minister of Defence
Her Excellency the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Sri Lanka, Mrs. Trinh Thi Tam , met with the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.), today (July 11) at his office in Colombo.
MOD Internal Affairs Unit Eases Complaint and Suggestion Submission Process
In line with the government's efforts to strengthen accountability and curb corruption in the public sector, the Ministry of Defence was established an Internal Affairs Unit within its premises following a directive issued by the Presidential Secretariat, under the guidance of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, instructing all government institutions to set up dedicated Internal Affairs Units to address complaints and ensure transparency in operations. This Unit was established by Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyakontha (Retd) on May 20.
Defence Ministry Pledges Continued Care for Veterans
and Fallen Heroes’ Families
The Ministry of Defence today (Jul 09) reiterated its steadfast commitment to the welfare of war veterans and the families of fallen heroes during its Public Day program held at the Ministry premises. The event, conducted under the patronage of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.), underscored the Ministry's on-going dedication to supporting those who have selflessly served the nation and their loved ones.
Progress Review Conference Held on SLAF Hospital Construction
A high-level progress review conference was held today (Jul 08), chaired by the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The meeting focused on the ongoing construction of the Sri Lanka Air Force Hospital at Narahenpita, a flagship healthcare initiative aimed at enhancing medical services for SLAF personnel and their families.
SL Navy’s prompt response saves a group of Indian fishermen
on distressed boat in Chilaw Seas
On receipt of information by Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, a coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation launched by the Sri Lanka Navy led to the rescue of 04 Indian fishermen on a distressed fishing boat off the western coast of Sri Lanka on 06 Jul 25.
Troops of 16th Contingent of SLFPC Assume
UN Peacekeeping Duties in Lebanon
The 16th Contingent of the Sri Lanka Force Protection Company (SLFPC) officially assumed peacekeeping duties under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on 04 July 2025.
Defence Secretary Visits Doppler Weather Radar
Project Site in Puttalam
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) made a field visit yesterday (Jul 05) to the Doppler Weather Radar Network project site in Puttalam. The project, supported through a generous grant aid from the Government of Japan, is aimed at enhancing real-time weather forecasting and early warning systems across the island.
Army Assists in the Treatment of Injured Tusker 'Bhathiya'
A wild tusker named Bhathiya, who had been roaming around the Manigama area in Nikaweratiya while undergoing treatment for gunshot wounds sustained approximately two months ago, had recently fallen into a water pit and met with an accident.
MOD Supports Ministry of Public Security in Special Joint Operation to Ensure Community Safety
The Ministry of Defence extending its full support to the Ministry of Public Security, launched a special joint security operation in the Kadana, Wattala, and Ragama Police areas on the evening of 4th July. The objective of this operation was to enhance community safety, curb illegal activities, and restore public confidence in law enforcement efforts.
Beira Lake Seaplane Operations Poised for a New Chapter
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) chaired an important meeting at the Ministry of Defence on Thursday (Jul 3) to discuss the reintroduction of Beira Lake as a water aerodrome, an initiative poised to bring renewed vitality to Sri Lanka’s tourism and domestic aviation sector.
Foundation Stone Laid for New Five - Storey Building
at Maharagama Apeksha Hospital
The foundation stone for a new five-storey building at the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital was ceremonially laid today (03 June 2025). This significant development project is being undertaken with the full supervision and dedicated labour of the Sri Lanka Air Force, while the financial sponsorship is generously provided by the Founder and Chairman of the Indra Traders Group, Mr. Indra Kumara Silva.
Newly Appointed US Defence Attaché Meets Defence Secretary
Newly appointed Defence Attaché at the Embassy of the United States of America in Colombo, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew House, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), today (Jul 03) at the Ministry of Defence.
18th International Research Conference (KDU IRC) 2025
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University proudly announces the 18th International Research Conference (KDU IRC-2025) under the theme ‘Bridging Frontiers: Interdisciplinary Research for Sustainable Progress’, scheduled to take place on the 30th of September and the 1st of October 2025 at the university premises.
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.