News
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.
UN Human Rights Chief Holds Talks with Sri Lankan Officials
A delegation from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Volker Türk, engaged in discussions with a Sri Lankan delegation headed by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Ananda Wijayapala, and the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), on Tuesday (June 24) at Deputy Minister's Office.
“You Cannot Manage What You Do Not Measure”: Sri Lanka Marks
World Hydrography Day 2025
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), graced the World Hydrography Day 2025 celebrations as the Chief Guest at the Wave’n Lake Navy Banquet Hall in Welisara on 24 June. The event, held under the theme “Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action”, brought together distinguished dignitaries, foreign delegates, senior naval officers, academics, students and stakeholders from the hydrographic community.
IOM & NAHTTF Launch Islandwide Anti-Trafficking Media Drive with
Japan’s Support
The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched an island-wide television and radio campaign today (Jun 24) to raise awareness on trafficking-in-persons. Implemented with funding support from the Government of Japan, the initiative highlights the dangers of human trafficking and encourages reporting suspected cases of trafficking-in-persons.
Deputy Minister of Defence Graces IPSC Nationals 2025 Awarding Ceremony
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), attended the awarding ceremony of the Sri Lanka International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) and Handgun Level III Nationals – 2025 as the Chief Guest. He was warmly welcomed by the President of the National Rifle Association of Sri Lanka (NRASL), Air Vice Marshal Ruwan Chandima. The prestigious event took place at the Wave’n Lake Navy Banquet Hall, Welisara, on Sunday (June 22).
Celebrating Yoga for One Earth, One Health
The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was commemorated in a vibrant gathering at Independence Square, Colombo, today (June 21), with the presence of the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), as a special invitee. The event was organized by the High Commission of India in Colombo.
Stakeholder Dialogue on Drone Operations Held at Ministry of
Defence to Enhance Regulatory Efficiency
A high - level stakeholder dialogue on drone operations was held at the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday (June 17), under the patronage of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd). The session was convened with the objective of fostering regulatory coherence and improving operational efficiency in Sri Lanka’s rapidly growing drone sector.
Army Chief of Staff Bids Farewell to Defence Secretary
The Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, Major General Chandana Wickramasinghe, paid a farewell courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), today (June 20) at the Ministry of Defence.
Outgoing U.S. Defence Attaché Bids Farewell to Defence Secretary
The outgoing Defence Attaché (DA) of the United States (US) in Sri Lanka, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony C. Nelson, paid a farewell courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), today (June 20) at the Ministry of Defence.