Archives
IAF Two MI - 17 V5 Helicopters Depart Sri Lanka After Completing
Humanitarian Operations
The first MI-17 V5 helicopter of the Indian Air Force (IAF), deployed to support Sri Lanka’s disaster relief efforts following Cyclone Ditwa, departed the island on 06 December 2025. The second MI-17 V5 concluded its mission and returned to India this morning (08 December 2025), marking the completion of the IAF’s air support operations conducted in close coordination with the SLAF.
UK Defence Attaché, Deputy Defence Minister Discuss Expanded
Disaster Relief and Defence Cooperation
The United Kingdom Defence Attaché to Sri Lanka, Colonel Keith Miles, met with the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at the Disaster Management Centre today (08 December) for discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in disaster management and defence capacity building.
China Donates Humanitarian Aid to Strengthen Sri Lanka’s
Disaster Relief Efforts
A humanitarian aid consignment from the Government of the People’s Republic of China was formally handed over to Sri Lanka today (08 December) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), providing timely support for ongoing relief and recovery operations following recent adverse weather conditions that affected several regions of the country.
Seva Vanitha Unit Provides Dry Ration Packs to
Ministry Staff Impacted by ‘Ditwa’ Cyclone
The Seva Vanitha Unit (SVU) of the Ministry of Defence carried out a compassionate relief initiative today (08 December), distributing dry ration packs to Ministry staff members adversely affected by the recent floods and landslides caused by the ‘Ditwa’ cyclone. The event took place at the Ministry premises.
Tri-Forces Intensify Post-Disaster Recovery Efforts for
‘Rebuild Sri Lanka’ Programme
Sri Lanka’s Tri-Forces continue to play the leading role in national post-disaster relief work. Tri-Forces troops on the ground swiftly acted to address the immediate needs of affected communities and strategically support key restoration and rehabilitation efforts. They work within the national strategy under the ‘Rebuild Sri Lanka’ programme to ensure an efficient, unified response to post-disaster recovery.
Myanmar Air Force (MAF) Y-8 Aircraft Arrives
in Sri Lanka with Humanitarian Relief
A consignment of humanitarian relief items from the Government of Myanmar arrived in Sri Lanka today (06 December 2025). The shipment was transported by a Myanmar Air Force (MAF) Y-8 aircraft carrying essential natural disaster relief supplies to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwa.
Defence Secretary Inspects Disaster Response Operations
and Relief Distribution Facilities
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) undertook an inspection visit today (07 December) to the Call Center and National Emergency Operation Center of the Disaster Management Center (DMC) to review the ongoing coordination of national disaster response activities.
Two US C-130 Aircraft Arrive at BIA with Technical Expertise for
Post-Disaster Relief Operation
Two C-130 Hercules transport aircraft of the United States Air Force arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today (07 December), bringing a specialized team of technical experts and essential equipment to bolster Sri Lanka's ongoing post-disaster relief and recovery operations.
Indian NDRF Members Depart after Completing
Operation ‘Sagar Bandhu’ in Sri Lanka
Indian National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) members departed Sri Lanka this morning (05 December 2025) after successfully completing their mission under ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’.
Sri Lanka Navy takes delivery of Ex-USCGC DECISIVE
The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) formally took delivery of the EX-United States Coast Guard Cutter, USCGC DECISIVE, provided by the United States to SLN, in a ceremony held at the United States Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore on 02 Dec 25. The event was also attended by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda. The ship formally joined the SLN fleet on 02 December under the pennant number P 628 and the main mast of the ship will fly the National Flag effective from that date.
Lanka Ashok Leyland Donates Vehicles to Support “Rebuild Sri Lanka” Initiative
Lanka Ashok Leyland has donated a fleet of vehicles valued at over Rs. 65 million to support national recovery efforts under the Rebuild Sri Lanka programme, a government initiative aimed at restoring communities and infrastructure affected by recent adverse weather conditions.
SLT-MOBITEL Provides Critical Communication Support for
National Disaster Relief Operations
SLT-MOBITEL has contributed vital telecommunication support to strengthen ongoing disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of the recent adverse weather that affected several parts of the country. Ensuring uninterrupted communication is a key factor in the effective coordination of relief operations across the island.
Sri Lanka’s Defence Attaché to Thailand Calls on Defence Secretary
Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Defence Attaché to the Kingdom of Thailand, Group Captain Vajira Jayakody, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (05 December).
Pakistan’s NDMA Sends Humanitarian Relief Shipment to Sri Lanka
A consignment of humanitarian relief items from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan arrived in Sri Lanka today (04 December 2025). The shipment includes tarpaulin sheets and dry milk, extended to support communities affected by the recent disaster.
German Defence Attaché Calls on the Defence Secretary
The Defence Attaché of the Federal Republic of Germany Embassy, Colonel Klaus Willi Merkel, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (05 December).
President Pays Final Respect to Group Captain Nirmal Siyambalapitiya
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid his final respect to the remains of Group Captain Nirmal Siyambalapitiya, the pilot who died in the helicopter crash that occurred in Lunuwila, Wennappuwa, while engaged in providing relief to disaster-affected communities.
Japan Provides Humanitarian Assistance to Support Sri Lanka's
Disaster Relief Effort
A consignment of humanitarian aid from Japan was officially handed over to Sri Lanka today (04 December) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), providing crucial support to ongoing relief efforts following the severe adverse weather caused national disaster.
Thurstan College Fraternity Donates Rs. 3.25 Million to Strengthen
National Disaster Management Efforts
A financial contribution of Rs. 3,250,000.00 was officially handed over to Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Ministry of Defence today, in support of the National Disaster Management Fund.
Tudawe Trading Donates High - Pressure Cleaning Equipment to Support
National Flood-Relief Efforts
A donation ceremony was held at the Ministry of Defence premises today (03 December), where Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) formally received a consignment of essential cleaning equipment from Tudawe Trading Pvt Ltd to bolster ongoing national flood-relief and recovery operations.
India Sends Sequential Humanitarian Aid Deliveries to Support
Sri Lanka’s Disaster Relief Efforts
Demonstrating swift responsiveness and a deep commitment to regional partnership, the Indian Navy has dispatched multiple naval vessels carrying humanitarian assistance to bolster disaster-relief efforts in Sri Lanka following the recent severe weather conditions.
Pakistan Navy Delivers Humanitarian Aid to Sri Lanka
Amid Severe Weather Crisis
In a strong demonstration of regional cooperation and humanitarian solidarity, the Pakistan Navy has delivered a significant consignment of disaster-relief materials to support communities in Sri Lanka affected by recent severe weather conditions. The relief consignment was transported by the naval vessel PNS SAIF, which was in Colombo to participate in the International Fleet Review. The humanitarian assistance was officially handed over on 28 November 2025, marking a timely contribution during a period of heightened national need.
NACWC Sri Lanka Supports Regional Workshop on Strengthening Implementation of UNSCR 1540 and Strategic Trade Management of Dual - Use Goods
The National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the European Union Export Control Programme for Dual-Use Goods European Union Partner to Partner (EUP2P), the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), and the Government of Sri Lanka, successfully supported and contributed to conduct the international event of “Workshop on Promoting Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540 and Strategic Trade Management of Dual-Use Goods” in South Asia which was held from 26 to 28 November 2025 at Sheraton Hotel, Colombo.
Indian Army Medical Contingent Arrives in Sri Lanka to Support Adverse
Weather Relief Operations
A fully functional Indian Army field hospital arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (02 December) to assist communities affected by prevailing adverse weather conditions. The contingent was welcomed by Major General K.T.P. De Silva, The Adjutant General of Sri Lanka Army and Lieutenant Colonel Mandeep Singh Negi, the Assistant Defence Advisor of High Commission of India, upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).
UAE Air Force C-17 Delivers Humanitarian Aid for Disaster Relief
A United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force C-17 aircraft arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (02 December) carrying a humanitarian aid consignment to support ongoing disaster-relief operations was received by Officials from the Embassy of United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka, Ministry of Defence and Sri Lanka Air Force at the Bandaranayake International Airport, Katunayake (BIA).