Latest News / News Updates
President makes concrete decisions to curb COVID – 19 spread without disrupting public life and economy
President Gotabya Rajapaksa has made several concrete decisions to curb COVID spread without disrupting public life and the economy.
Government facilitates state sector employees in Western Province to ‘work from home’
Employees of the state sector institutions especially in Colombo. Gampaha and Kalutara districts where restrictions have been imposed are directed to ‘work from home’ again, issuing a press release, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said yesterday (Oct 29).
Defence Secretary pledges to protect archaeological sites
Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said being a person who has served a lengthier tenure in Northern and Eastern Provinces in the island, I have seen the extent of devastation has taken place at the sacred places of Buddhist’s worship.
Outgoing Air Force Chief bids farewell
Outgoing Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sumangala Dias paid a courtesy farewell call on Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne at the Ministry, today (Oct 29).
President’s Milad –Un – Nabi Message
Sri Lankan Muslims today celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad in solidarity with the Muslim brethren around the world.
US and Sri Lanka agrees to strengthen the defence cooperation
The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that the United States is ready to continuously engage with Sri Lanka in its striving to achieve economic development goals.
WFP Country Representative meets Defence Secretary
The Country Representative of the United Nation’s World Food Programme (WFP), Ms. Brenda Barton paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne at the Defence Ministry today (Oct 27).
Military Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
Owing to the highest efficiency in the implementation of any emergency response plan by the military and the police, the government of Sri Lanka has succeeded in countering three major clusters of COVID-19 outbreaks (commonly called waves by the general public) since the WHO declared a global pandemic since 11 March 2020.
Restoration of Mihindu Maha Stupa, Mihindu Cave and Relics House
The restoration work of the Mihindu Maha Stupa, Mihindu Cave, and Relic house commenced yesterday evening (Oct 24) at the Mihintale Temple sacred area, under the directives of His Excellency the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and with the contribution of Mahamevanawa Buddhist Monastery pool presided by Ven Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero.
‘Deegawapiya Stupa’ restoration project launching ceremony postponed.
The foundation stone laying ceremony scheduled to be held on 22 Oct in view of Deegawapi Stupa restoration project at the sacred Deegawapi premises was postponed due to an unavoidable circumstance.
‘Deegawapiya Stupa’ restoration project inaugurates tomorrow (22nd Oct)
The foundation stone laying for the scheduled ‘Deegawapiya Stupa’ restoration process will be commenced auspiciously under the guidance of the Chief Prelate of Sacred Deegawapiya Temple Ven. Mahaoya Sobitha Thero at the Deegawapiya premises tomorrow (22 Oct).
Legal actions to prevent land grabs - Defence Secretary
There is no room for land grabs in the country in future and legal actions would be implemented against persons involved in such unlawful acts, Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said referring to past unlawful land grab practices.
Defence Secretary’s Media Conference Held at the Ministry on 5th Oct 2020
The State Ministry of Internal Security, Home Affairs and Disaster Management organized a conference to address the Government Agents/District Secretaries in Northern, North Central and Eastern Provinces on Oct 1, 2020.
An avenue for war veterans and their families to resolve issues
Addressing war veteran families at the 2nd phase of ‘War Veterans Mobile Service’ (WVMS), held in Saliyapura, Anuradhapura today (Oct 3), Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said a ‘Public Division’ will be established at the State Ministry of Internal Security, Home Affairs and Disaster Management to mediate and facilitate their issues associated with Divisional Secretariats/District Secretariats and Grama Niladaris.
State Sector, Tri Forces and Police involved mechanism to curb deforestation - Defence Secretary
Raising concerns into the widespread illegal forest resources degradation in Vanni, Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said it was saddened to say that its effects largely impact not only to the Vanni area, but to the entire country in general.
Our children are the future of the nation - President
His Excellency the President in his World Children’s Day message said our children are the future of the nation.
Scouting must be promoted to safeguard the younger generation – Defence Secretary
Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said, by realizing how much scouting can do, one must exert every effort to promote the spirit of scouting into the Sri Lankan community.
We expect UN to place due emphasis on non-interference in domestic affairs of states – President tells UN High – Level Meeting
We expect the United Nation will place due emphasis on non-interference in domestic affairs of other states, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in a pre-recorded statement at the High-Level Meeting to Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations today (21).
Govt. seeks public support in curbing organised crimes
Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne has sought public support to curb organised crimes, which has given a top priority in the government vision to make a safe and secure nation.
Integrated government mechanism is vital – Defence Secretary
Public Administration, Planning Services, Accounting Service, Tri-Forces, Police, Prisons Customs etc. should be integrated into a unique government mechanism system while eliminating corruption in the system, Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said, today (11).
Govt. to seek regional support to extinguish fire of MT New Diamond
While taking necessary measures to extinguish fire on MT New Diamond and getting ready to manage a possible oil spill, the government is to seek support from regional countries if necessary.
Police to be reformed soon - State Minister Chamal Rajapaksa
State Ministry of Internal Security is to introduce reforms into the Police service after reviewing the report submitted by former Police Chief N.K.Illangakoon.
President requests people not to invite him for private functions
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, today, requested people not to invite him for private functions like weddings, prize-givings and other parties as he wanted to fully devote his time to fulfill national responsibilities.
Govt. will end organised crimes, underworld and drug menace - Defence Secretary
Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said the government would end looming social threats in the same vigour that eradicated terrorism in the country to bring peace and prosperity under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Fund to be set up to renovate Deegawapiya Stupa, soon - Defence Secretary
Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said the Deegawapiya Trust Fund would be established to expedite renovation of Deegawapiya Stupa, an ancient Buddhist sacred shrine and an archaeological site in the Ampara District.