Archives
National Disaster Management Committee Convenes Under the Patronage of the President at the Ministry of Defence
The National Disaster Management Committee convened last evening (27 November) at the Ministry of Defence under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to assess the emergency situation caused by the severe adverse weather affecting the country.
Badulla District Disaster Management Committee Meets Under the Patronage of the Deputy Minister of Defence
The disastrous situation experienced across the country due to adverse weather conditions has also heavily impacted the Badulla District. To manage the prevailing situation, the Badulla District Disaster Management Committee, comprising high-level political and administrative officials convened yesterday (November 27) at 7:30 PM at the Badulla District Secretariat. During the meeting, extensive discussions were held on disaster mitigation, the provision of relief, and the rapid evacuation of those affected by the disaster.
National Defence College holds Graduation Ceremony
The National Defence College (NDC) held its graduation ceremony of Course No 04, at the Faculty of Graduate Studies Auditorium of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) today (27 November). The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.
Deputy Minister and Defence Secretary visit Indian Navy’s
Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) and Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) attended a reception on board the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant at the Colombo Harbour today (26 November).
Disaster Relief Units gear up to face weather related emergencies under the
supervision of the Ministry of Defence
According to the Met Department’s advisory issued this morning (26 November), the existing low pressure area is very likely to intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours, and weather warnings and hazard warnings have been issued for land and sea areas around the island.
Sri Lanka Hosts 9th ABU Media Summit on Climate Action and Disaster Prevention
The 9th ABU Media Summit on Climate Action and Disaster Prevention (CADP 2025) was inaugurated at the Mount Lavinia Hotel today (25 November). This event brings together regional media leaders, policymakers, and disaster-risk specialists for a three-day forum focused on strengthening climate resilience through media.
Deputy Minister of Defence graces 54th Bangladesh Armed Forces Day Ceremony
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) graced the 54th Bangladesh Armed Forces Day ceremony as the Chief Guest at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo last evening (24 November).
Assistance and Protection Basic Course Conducted by NACWC to Strengthen National Preparedness for Chemical Emergencies
The National Authority for Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), under the Ministry of Defence, successfully conducted the Assistance and Protection Basic Course from 13 to 17 October (2025) at No. 49 CBRNE Wing, Sri Lanka Air Force Base, Katunayake. The Director NACWC, Base Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake, Commanding Officer of No.49 CBRNE Wing Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake, NACWC Staff and twenty (20) participants from Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Special Task Force and Fire brigades were present at the inauguration ceremony. The program was designed to enhance national capacity in responding to chemical emergencies and strengthen Sri Lanka’s compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
SL Army 3 (V) GW Troops Facilitate Transport for A/L Students and Public Across Flooded Akuressa - Siyabalagoda Road
Troops of the 3rd Volunteer Battalion of the Gemunu Watch (3 (V) GW), serving under the SL Army 613 Infantry Brigade, have launched an immediate relief operation to assist the public following the inundation of the Akuressa - Siyabalagoda road in the Panasugama area, today (Nov 22).
SL Army 8 SR Troops Launch Search & Rescue Ops Following
Pahala Kadugannawa Landslide
Troops of the Sri Lanka Army 8th Battalion of the Sri Lanka sinha Regiment (8 SR), serving under the 611 Infantry Brigade, have launched an immediate Search and Rescue (SAR) operation following a major landslide in the Pahala Kadugannawa area this morning (22 Nov).
Troops Facilitate Transport for A/L students & Public in Flooded Neluwa
Swiftly responding to a flash flood emergency, troops of the 20th Battalion of Sri Lanka Light Infantry (20 SLLI) under the 573 Infantry Brigade have launched an operation to assist students appearing for the G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations and the general public in Neluwa, today (Nov 22).
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Sri Lanka and India Hold Bilateral Discussions on the Sidelines of the 7th NSA-Level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave
Sri Lanka and India held a bilateral discussion on the sidelines of the 7th National Security Advisers-level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), held in New Delhi from 19th to 20th November (2025).
Ministry of Defence gears up to adapt Results-Based Management
for Improved Efficiency
In a progressive move towards enhancing public sector performance, a special session on institutionalizing Results Based Management (RBM) was held last week at the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The session was chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). The initiative aligns with the government's broader reform agenda to promote accountability, transparency, and efficiency across all state entities.
Defence Secretary Reviews Progress of Key National
Disaster Preparedness Projects
A high-level progress review meeting on Sri Lanka’s disaster preparedness and mitigation initiatives was held today (17 November) at the Disaster Management Division premises. The session was chaired by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), with the participation of heads and senior officials from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Department of Meteorology, National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC), and other relevant agencies.
Deputy Minister of Defence and Defence Secretary Participate in Armed Forces Remembrance Day 2025 and Poppy Flower Ceremony
The 81st Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Poppy Flower Ceremony was solemnly commemorated today (16 November) at the Cenotaph War Memorial in Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo. This annual event, organized by the Sri Lanka Armed Forces Veterans' Association in collaboration with the Armed Services, honored the memory and sacrifices of Sri Lankan war heroes who laid down their lives in defence of the nation.
U.S. and Sri Lanka Sign Landmark MOU Strengthening Defence Partnership
In a significant step toward enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, the United States and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (14 November) at the Ministry of Defence, marking a new era in defence partnership.
MOD Seva Vanitha Unit Supports Rural Schools with Donations and Library Renovation
The Seva Vanitha Unit (SVU) of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) continued its community welfare efforts with two education-focused programmes in the Anuradhapura district today (13 November).
High-Level Discussion on Measures to Curb Illegal Fishing, Poaching, and Drug Trafficking activities under the Guise of Fishing
A high-level meeting was held at the Parliament premises on 11 November to review strategies for curbing illegal fishing and poaching activities within Sri Lanka’s waters.
Top Defence officials Join Meeting on Jaffna Land Release
A high-level meeting was held yesterday (11 Nov) at the Parliament Complex to evaluate the progress of releasing privately owned lands in the Jaffna and Palali areas currently under military use.
Measures to Enhance War Heroes’ Welfare: Discussions on Ranaviru
Welfare Cabinet Paper
A high level meeting on the Ranaviru Welfare Cabinet Paper, chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), was held yesterday (11 Nov) at the Parliament Complex.
Defence Secretary Joins Solemn Observance of British
Remembrance Day in Colombo
The British Remembrance Day was commemorated with a solemn ceremony at the Commonwealth War Graves, Jawatte Cemetery, Colombo, today (11 November). The event honoured the courage and supreme sacrifice of Commonwealth servicemen who gave their lives during the First and Second World Wars.
Felicitation Ceremony and Validation Workshop on the National Strategic Action Plan Against Human Trafficking Held in Colombo
A felicitation ceremony to honour the partners who have made significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s efforts in combating human trafficking, together with the validation workshop for the National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP) 2026–2030, was held yesterday (7 November) at the Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo.
Defence Secretary Delivers Lecture at the National Defence College
Sharing his expertise and wisdom, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) delivered a lecture to student officers at the National Defence College (NDC) in Colombo today (6 November).
Golden Jubilee of Diplomatic Relations Between Sri Lanka and the Holy See Commemorated
Sri Lanka and the Holy See celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations at a ceremony held yesterday (4 November) at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo.
Deputy Minister of Defence looks into the needs of War Veterans and their Families
Under the Public Day initiative, dedicated to addressing the welfare concerns of retired, injured, and fallen war heroes and their families, two more sessions were held on 3 November in Colombo and in Kegalle during the weekend.