News
Final Presentation of Cadet Officers Held at Sri Lanka Military Academy
The final presentation of officer cadets belonging to Intake 93, 94B, SC 21 C and SC 23, Lady 20, 62(V), and Lady (V) 19 was held on 20 December 2025 at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, marking the culmination of their academic and military training.
Defence Secretary Directs Activation of Operations Room to Ensure
Public Safety During Festive Season
The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence has directed the activation of a special Operations Room at the Army Headquarters to ensure public safety and security during the ongoing festive season.
Special Discussion on Restoring Lives under the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Programme Held under the patronage of the President
A special discussion was held today (20) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to review district-level plans aimed at restoring the lives of citizens under the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ programme and to examine challenges that have emerged during implementation. The meeting included Secretaries of Ministries responsible for defence, agriculture, irrigation, water supply, fisheries, transport, housing and construction, heads of relevant line institutions and all District Secretaries.
Fourth Session of High-Level Committee for Foreign Aid Coordination (HL-FRAC) Held at Parliament
The fourth session of the High-Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC) was held on 19 December at the Parliament complex, presided over by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). The committee’s primary responsibility remains the formalization, management, and efficient distribution of foreign aid received for disaster relief efforts.
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) Evaluates Flood Impact at Abhimansala-3 in Pangolla
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), visited the Abhimansala-3 Rehabilitation Centre in Pangolla recently (14 December) to assess the impact of recent devastating floods. During his visit, the Deputy Minister inspected the facility’s infrastructure and spoke with the staff members to assess the damages caused by the adverse weather, which has severely affected the delivery of vital services for the resident war heroes of the centre.
Ministry of Defence Establishes Public Assistance Helpdesk at
Galle Face for the Festive Season
Under the direction of the Secretary of Defence, dedicated Public Assistance Helpdesk will be established commencing on 21 December 2025, in the Galle Face area, located in front of the Presidential Secretariat. This initiative is a response to the significant increase in public gatherings during the ongoing seasonal period. The Helpdesk is being set up through a coordinated effort of the Tri-Forces and the Sri Lanka Police, ensuring a unified, responsive, and visible presence on the ground.
Sri Lanka Navy completes bridge restoration in Peradeniya and continues
wide-ranging flood relief efforts
The Sri Lanka Navy has successfully concluded specialized diving and technical operations to clear vital infrastructure obstructed by severe flooding from Cyclone Ditwah, while continuing extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations across the island.
Meeting with UN Resident Coordinator on Disaster Management
and Aid Coordination
The Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) met with the United Nations Resident Coordinator to Sri Lanka, Mr. Marc-André Franche, at the office of the Deputy Minister of Defence yesterday (17 December) to review ongoing disaster response efforts, institutional reforms, and the coordination of international humanitarian assistance.
Yoo Brands Supports Disaster Relief Efforts
Yoo Brands Pvt Ltd today extended its support to national disaster relief and recovery efforts by donating essential footwear items to the Ministry of Defence.
Deputy Minister of Defence Declares Open ‘‘Senehasa’’ Sensory Garden
for Children with Special Needs
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), inaugurated the renovated children’s park and Sensory Garden at the Senehasa Education, Resource, Research and Information Centre (SERRIC) today (17 December).
Meeting on Formulation of National Defence Research and
Development Policy
A high level meeting on formulation of the National Defence Research and Development (R&D) Policy was held at the office of the Deputy Minister of Defence, yesterday (16 December), chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd).
Qatar National Day Celebrated in Colombo
The Embassy of the State of Qatar in Colombo hosted a vibrant celebration for Qatar National Day yesterday, (16 December), at the ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo.
DSCSC Graduation Ceremony Held at Nelum Pokuna Theatre
The graduation ceremony of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) – Course No. 19 was held with grandeur at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo, yesterday (16 December).
ICGS SHAURYA arrives in Sri Lanka with humanitarian aid
The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) SHAURYA, carrying humanitarian aid to the people of Sri Lanka affected by Cyclone Ditwah, arrived in the island on 15 Dec 25. The ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Coast Guard at the Colombo Port in accordance with naval traditions.
French Ambassador Meets Deputy Minister of Defence to
Discuss Disaster and Relief Operations
His Excellency the Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka, Mr. Rémi Lambert, met the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) at his office in Colombo yesterday (15 December).
High Level committee for Foreign Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC) Reconvenes for Third Session
High Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC), chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), convened its third meeting today (15 December) at its Secretariat located at the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) in Colombo.
National Council for Disaster Management Convenes Under the
Patronage of the President
The 16th meeting of the National Council for Disaster Management was held this morning (15) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Regional Conference on Advancing Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) Implementing Legislation in Asia Held in Colombo
The Regional Conference on Advancing Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) Implementing Legislation in Asia was successfully held from 09 to 11 December (2025) at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel, Colombo. This international conference was hosted by the National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) under the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Navy and Coast Guard successfully control Colombo Port fuel spill
In a swift and coordinated joint operation, the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard successfully controlled a fuel spill off the coast of Colombo this morning (14 Dec 25). The incident, caused by a sudden leak in a fuel buoy near the Colombo Port, was contained through the immediate response.
US and Indian Air Force Aircraft Depart Sri Lanka
Following Humanitarian Mission
The special air operations, rescue missions, and disaster relief activities carried out in Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah received significant contributions from several countries. As part of these efforts, two United States Air Force C-130J aircraft, along with a relief team of 60 Marines, arrived in the country between 7 and 13 December to support disaster relief operations.
Army Troops Conduct Beach Cleaning Programme
Under ‘‘Clean Sri Lanka Campaign’’
In line with the 'Clean Sri Lanka' campaign, a beach cleaning programme was successfully conducted on 10 December 2025 at Mullaitivu and Kokilai beaches.A total of 450 troops from the 591 Infantry Brigade of the 59 Infantry Division actively participated in the initiative.
SL Army Special Forces Combat Riders Extend Support to Relief Efforts
Combat Riders with eight Motor Cycles of the Sri Army were deployed to transport food and essential items to families residing in inaccessible areas from Pussellawa to Frotoft Estate.
The Indian Army’s 60 Parachute Field Hospital Commended for
Humanitarian Mission in Sri Lanka
The disaster relief medical assistance provided by the Indian Army’s 60 Parachute Field Hospital in the wake of the devastating Ditwah Cyclone was formally commended on 14 December 2025 at the Army Cantonment, Panagoda, in recognition of its exceptional humanitarian impact and professional excellence.
Commander of the Army Inspects Ongoing Nation Building Activities Assists by the Army Troops in Security Forces (East) area
Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, Commander of the Army, visited Security Forces (East) area on 13 and 14 December 2025 to inspect ongoing nation building activities being carried out with the assistance of Army troops.
Let Us Unite With Unwavering Determination to Rebuild the Nation
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the recent disaster dealt a severe blow to an economy that was being rebuilt steadily and systematically and that in the face of such a challenge, It is the duty of every citizen not to withdraw or remain in hopelessness, but to come together with unwavering determination to restore the nation.