Ministry of Defence - Sri Lanka

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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).


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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).


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Indian Air Force Deploys BHISHM Cubes to Sri Lanka for Disaster Relief

Two BHISHM Cubes arrived in Sri Lanka on 30 November 2025 aboard an IAF C-130J aircraft, along with a five-member Indian Air Force medical team led by Wing Commander Sanjay Kumar, to support relief efforts for communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah was received by Officials from High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, Ministry of Defence and Sri Lanka Air Force at the Bandaranayake International Airport, Katunayake (BIA).


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Deputy Minister of Defence Commends Efforts at
Emergency Operation Centre

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara, undertook an observation tour of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) yesterday (Dec 01) of the Disaster Management Center (DMC) to review the ongoing disaster response operations and the Center’s vital contribution to national relief and mitigation efforts.


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US Defence Attaché Meets Secretary of Defence to
Discuss Ongoing Disaster Relief Efforts

The US Defence Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Matthew House paid an official visit to the Secretary of Defence at the Ministry of Defence today (Tuesday, 02 December 2025), focusing on the ongoing disaster relief operations being conducted across affected regions of the country.


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Tri-Forces Continue Nationwide Disaster Rescue and Relief Operations

Sri Lanka’s tri-forces have intensified rescue and relief operations across the country as heavy rains and rising flood levels continue to affect thousands of families. Over the past two days, the Army, Navy and Air Force have jointly expanded ground, water and air-based assistance to ensure the safety of affected communities.


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Prima Group Sri Lanka Donates Over Rs. 300 Million Worth of Dry
Rations to Flood Victims

Prima Group Sri Lanka has donated a stock of Prima dry rations, valued at over Rs. 300 million, to the Government of Sri Lanka yesterday evening (November 30) for distribution among people affected by floods, landslides, and other disasters across the island.


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Deputy Minister of Defence Visits Multiple Safety Centers and
Disaster-Affected Sites in Badulla District

Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), conducted inspection visits across the Badulla District to review the welfare of families affected by recent adverse weather conditions and to assess disaster-response measures.


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Defence Secretary Reviews Disaster Relief Operations from the Centre for Special
Disaster Management Operations

Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), chaired a review meeting today (30 Nov 25) at the Special Disaster Management Operation Centre established at Sri Lanka Army Headquarters. There he focused on assessing  the prevailing adverse weather conditions and further strengthening the coordination for disaster-relief operations across the affected regions. Army and Air Force Commanders, Senior Tri Forces Officers and government officials who are currently engaged in Disaster Response were present at the operations centre for this discussions.


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SLN Eastern Command Assists Over 1,300
Flood-Affected Individuals

The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) continues its island-wide disaster relief operations, deploying teams to assist communities affected by adverse weather conditions.


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President Keenly Observes Navy’s Successful Rescue Operation

The President Anura Kumara Dissanayake closely monitored from the special Operations  Room, the Sri Lanka Navy Special Boat Squadron's swift and courageous operation, where a group of people trapped inside a bus in Kalaoya were safely rescued.


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Sri Lanka Navy Continues Relentless Disaster Relief & Rescue Operations

The Sri Lanka Navy has deployed 141 Disaster Relief Teams to assist communities affected by the prevailing adverse weather. As of 0730 hrs today (29 November), 79 teams are actively engaged in rescue and relief efforts across all provinces.


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Army Troops Execute a Series of Disaster Relief Operations
in the Monaragala District

As adverse weather conditions continued across the country, troops under the Security Forces (Central) and the 12 Infantry Division carried out multiple rapid disaster relief operations across the Monaragala District.


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Sri Lanka Air Force Rescues Five Persons Trapped by Floods
in Nikaweratiya and Dompe

The Sri Lanka Air Force successfully conducted two emergency rescue missions this morning (29 November) amid worsening flood conditions.


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IAF C-130 Aircraft Carrying Disaster Relief Supplies Arrives in Sri Lanka

A C-130 aircraft of the Indian Air Force(IAF), carrying Disaster Relief Supplies provided by the Government of India for families displaced by the adverse weather conditions affecting the island, arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, early morning today (29 November 2025).


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Army Troops Conduct Multiple Emergency Response Operations
Amid Adverse Weather

A contingent of Army personnel rescued 38 elders from the Kailagoda Elders’ Home, ensuring their safe transfer to the Disaster Relief Services Centre for continued care, protection, and essential support.


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SLAF Air Rescue Saves 13 Stranded Individuals in Polonnaruwa

A Sri Lanka Air Force rescue team on a Bell-212 helicopter from No. 7 Helicopter Squadron, Hingurakgoda, safely rescued 13 people stranded on the Manampitiya Bridge in Polonnaruwa this morning (28 November). All persons were airlifted to safe locations.


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Tri-Forces on High Alert Amidst Severe Weather: Massive Emergency Relief and Rescue Operations Underway

Prioritizing national security and humanitarian assistance, Tri-Forces personnel are on 24-hour readiness to respond to emergencies and have already implemented disaster relief measures in almost every district.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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). 


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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.


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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).


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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).