Archives
Progress Review Meeting on Pettah Bus Terminal Renovation
Project Held at Ministry of Defence
A high-level progress review meeting on the renovation of the Pettah Bus Terminal in Colombo was held Today (03 February) at the Ministry of Defence chaired by the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
Defence Secretary Inspect Renovation Work at Colombo Central Bus Terminal
The Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) accompanied by the Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, and Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Sajeewa Kanakaratne visited the Central Bus Terminal in Colombo today (2 February) to inspect the ongoing renovation work being carried out there.
Pakistan High Commissioner Pays Farewell Courtesy Calls on Deputy Minister of Defence and Defence Secretary
The outgoing High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Major General (Retd) Faheem-Ul-Aziz, paid farewell calls on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), today (02 February).
Defence Secretary Engages with War Veterans and War Hero
Families at Public Day
Demonstrating the Ministry of Defence’s continued dedication to the welfare of war veterans and War Hero families, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) presided over the Public Day programme held at the Ministry premises today (30 January).
Australian High Commissioner Pays Courtesy Call on Defence Secretary
The Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mathew Duckworth, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (29 January).
Defence Secretary Attends Press Briefing on the 78th
National Independence Day Celebrations
The arrangements and preparations for the upcoming 78th National Independence Day celebrations were outlined at a media briefing held today (29 January) at the Department of Government Information.
Sri Lanka Unveils Five‑Year National Action Plan to Strengthen Anti‑Human Trafficking Efforts
The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) officially launched the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking (2026–2030) on 28 January 2026, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to eliminating all forms of human trafficking and strengthening coordinated national responses.
Netherlands Ambassador Strengthens Bilateral Ties in Meeting with the
Deputy Minister of Defence
His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka, Mr. Wiebe de Boer paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at his office in Colombo yesterday (26 Jan).
Deputy Minister of Defence Presides Over Public Day in Gampaha
In a significant move to strengthen community engagement, the Ministry of Defence has launched the 'Public Day' initiative. This program is designed to establish a direct and accessible channel of communication, allowing the Ministry to listen, understand, and collaboratively address the concerns of the retired and disabled veterans, the families of the fallen and the general public to share their concerns and collaborate on solutions.
SL Air Force Deploys 11th Aviation Contingent to UN Mission
While 10th Returns
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) yesterday deployed its 11th Aviation Contingent to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), while the main group of the 10th SLAF Aviation Contingent returned home after completing a one-year deployment.
Omani and Indonesian Navy Ships Arrive in Colombo
Two foreign naval vessels of the Royal Navy of Oman and the Indonesian Navy arrived at the Port of Colombo today (22 January 2026) on scheduled port calls.
Defence Cyber Command Conducts Cybersecurity Awareness Programme for Ministry of Defence and Affiliated Organizations
The Defence Cyber Command conducted a Cybersecurity Awareness Programme for the staff of the Ministry of Defence and all affiliated organizations, including the Tri-Services and the Police, on 20 January 2026 at the Nandimithra Auditorium, Ministry of Defence.
Deputy Minister Emphasizes Armed Forces Support and Accountability
at HL-FRAC Meeting
The eighth session meeting of the High Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC) was held at the office of the Deputy Minister of Defence yesterday (21 January), chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). The meeting was held with a focus on strengthening coordination, transparency, and efficiency in the management of foreign relief assistance.
'EX DOSTI' concludes solidifying strategic maritime bonds
The 17th iteration of the trilateral joint exercise ‘EX DOSTI’ concluded successfully on 19 Jan 26, following four days of cooperative engagement in Maldivian waters.
Sri Lanka Army Dominates Inaugural Lanka Ride 2026
The inaugural edition of Lanka Ride 2026, Sri Lanka’s premier multi-stage cycling tour, concluded in grand style on 18 January 2026.
MoD Seva Vanitha Unit Donates ICU Bed to Nikaweratiya Base Hospital
Under the coordination of the President of the Ministry of Defence Seva Vanitha Unit (MoD SVU), Dr. (Mrs.) Ruvini Rasika Perera, an ICU bed was donated to the Base Hospital, Nikaweratiya, today (16 January), with the objective of strengthening critical care facilities and enhancing patient care in the region.
DSCSC Commandant meets Deputy Minister of Defence
The Commandant of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), Major General K. W. Jayaweera, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at his office in Colombo today (16 January).
Steering Committee Convenes for Post Disaster Assessment in line with the
‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ National Programme
The Government has officially launched the national programme, ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’, a comprehensive initiative designed to coordinate the nation’s recovery from the extensive devastation caused by ‘Cyclone Ditwah’. This meeting was held on 13 January at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) under the patronage of His Excellency the President.
Thai Pongal Day Message
The Thai Pongal festival, celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by Hindu devotees across the world, falls today (15).
Happy Thai Pongal
Wishing you all a very Happy and prosperous Pongal...
Indian Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff Pays Courtesy Call on
Deputy Minister of Defence
The Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Foreign Cooperation & Intelligence) of India, Rear Admiral Srinivas Maddula, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at his office in Colombo today (14 January).
Deputy Minister of Defence Lauds Navy’s ‘Ratama Ekata’ Operations Amidst Disaster Response Challenges
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), conducted an inspection visit to the Sri Lanka Navy Operations Room at the Navy Headquarters in Akuregoda yesterday (13 January), where he underscored the national importance of the “Ratama Ekata” programme and commended the Sri Lanka Navy for its continuous and effective implementation of the initiative, despite its extensive involvement in rescue and relief operations during the recent national disaster emergency.
UNDP Resident Representative Pays Courtesy Call on Defence Secretary
Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, Ms. Azusa Kubota paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence yesterday (13 January).
Indian Navy’s Assistant Chief of Naval Staff Meets Defence Secretary
Rear Admiral Srinivas Maddula, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Foreign Cooperation & Intelligence) of the Indian Navy, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (13 January).