News
Sri Lanka Strengthens Defence Ties with Türkiye at IDEF 2025
The 17th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2025), one of the world’s premier defence exhibitions, was held under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, hosted by the Turkish Ministry of National Defence, and organized by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TAFF). This prestigious event provided a global platform for showcasing cutting-edge defence technologies and fostering international collaboration in the defence sector.
Navy in collaboration with Air Force exhibits excellence in maritime operations as TRINEX-25 wraps up in Trincomalee
The Sri Lanka Navy demonstrated its operational readiness with the successful conclusion of the ‘Trincomalee Naval Exercise - 2025’ (TRINEX - 25), conducted from 22 to 26 Jul 25 at the Port of Trincomalee and in eastern waters. The concluding ceremony of the exercise was held on 27 Jul aboard SLNS Sindurala under the patronage of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.
Brigadier F. Joseph USP Assumed Duties as the New Director Media and Spokesman
Brigadier Franklin Joseph USP officially assumed duties as the new Director Media and Spokesman of the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday (Jul 22). He officially assumed responsibilities from Colonel Nalin Herath, who previously served as the Director Media and Spokesman.
Defence Secretary Pays Final Respects to the Late Most Ven. Anamaduwa
Sri Dhammadassi Anunayake Thero
The final rites of the Most Venerable Anamaduwe Sri Dhammadassi Thero, the Anunayake of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect, were conducted with state sponsorship yesterday (Jul 24) at the Asgiriya Police Grounds in Kandy.
Defence Secretary Underscores Regional Resilience at Asian
Preparedness Partnership Workshop
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), gracing the ceremony as the chief guest delivered special remarks at the Reflection Workshop of the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP), held at the Cinnamon Life at the City of Dreams in Colombo on Wednesday (July 23).
Defence Secretary attends 60th Maldives National Day in Colombo
The 60th National Day of the Republic of Maldives was celebrated with grandeur and diplomatic fervor at a formal ceremony held at the Cinnamon Life - City of Dreams Hotel in Colombo yesterday (Jul 22). Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) also attended the ceremony held last evening.
Resolving Challenges at the Ranajayapura War Heroes’ Housing Complex
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), chaired a meeting last week to address long-standing issues affecting the Ranajayapura Ranaviru Housing Complex in Ipalogama. The session aimed to chart a sustainable path forward by appointing a dedicated committee to investigate and resolve the pressing challenges confronting the residents, comprising retired, disabled and serving members of the Tri-Forces.
Pakistan Army’s Chief of General Staff Meets Sri Lankan Defence Leadership
The Chief of General Staff of the Pakistan Army, Lieutenant General Syed Aamer Raza, undertook an official visit to Sri Lanka today (Jul 22), during which he paid courtesy calls on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) and the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), on separate occasions.
U.S. Defence Attaché Meets Deputy Minister of Defence
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), held a meeting today (Jul 21) with the Defence Attaché of the United States (US) to Sri Lanka, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew House, at his office in Colombo. U.S. Defence Attaché was accompanied by Assistant Defence Attaché, Mr. Seth Nevins.
Defence Sector Forges Future of National Entrepreneurship
and Innovation Drive
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) chaired a high-level strategic discussion titled “National Entrepreneurship Development and Business Startup-Defence Contribution” today (Jul 18) at his office premises. The session marked a significant inter-ministerial collaboration, aiming to integrate the strengths of the defence sector with national development priorities.
Deputy Minister of Defence Emphasizes Welfare Reforms at
High-Level Briefing on War Veteran Affairs
A high-level briefing on the progress of the Ranaviru Matters Committee and associated cabinet submissions was held this morning (July 18) at the Deputy Minister’s Office in Colombo, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of war veterans and the families of fallen heroes.
Defence Secretary Attends to Grievances of War Veterans and
War Hero Families on Public Day
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to the welfare of war veterans and the families of fallen heroes, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) chaired the Public Day programme at the Ministry premises today (July 16).
Honouring Our Heroes : Public Day Initiative
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to the welfare of war veterans and the families of fallen heroes during the Public Day program held today (Jul 15) at the Deputy Minister’s office premises.
French Bastille Day Celebrates in Colombo
The French National Day, known globally as Fête nationale or Bastille Day, was commemorated at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, yesterday (Jul 14). The occasion brought together senior Sri Lankan officials and diplomats, underscoring the warm and enduring ties between Sri Lanka and France.
Deputy Minister of Defence Visits Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen's Association and Bolagala Veterans' Home
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) undertook a formal visit to the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen's Association (SLESA) and the Bolagala Veterans' Home on Saturday (Jul 12), underscoring the government's continued commitment to the welfare of retired military personnel.
Vietnamese Ambassador Meets Deputy Minister of Defence
Her Excellency the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Sri Lanka, Mrs. Trinh Thi Tam , met with the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.), today (July 11) at his office in Colombo.
MOD Internal Affairs Unit Eases Complaint and Suggestion Submission Process
In line with the government's efforts to strengthen accountability and curb corruption in the public sector, the Ministry of Defence was established an Internal Affairs Unit within its premises following a directive issued by the Presidential Secretariat, under the guidance of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, instructing all government institutions to set up dedicated Internal Affairs Units to address complaints and ensure transparency in operations. This Unit was established by Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyakontha (Retd) on May 20.
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.