News
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.
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).
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.