Latest News / News Updates
Navy continues flood relief efforts in Anuradhapura
In the wake of inclement weather, the Navy mobilized its relief teams in Parakramapura of Padaviya, Anuradhapura since 03rd December 2023. Committed to their relief efforts, the Navy teams have been continuing their services in full swing even today (15th December).
President Wickremesinghe highlights Global Shifts in Military Landscape at the DSCSC Award ceremony
In a compelling speech delivered at the Defence Services Command and staff College (DSCSC) Course 17 Award Ceremony today (14), President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for a broader international perspective in military education and highlighted the evolving global landscape. The ceremony, held at Nelum Pokuna, with a diverse group of students, including participants from countries beyond Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office established in Welisara Naval Complex
Charting a new course towards maritime security and economic prosperity, the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) was declared open at the Welisara Naval Complex today (14th December 2023), under the patronage of the State Minister of Defence, Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon. The milestone event was also attended by the Secretary of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and Chief Hydrographer of the Navy, Commodore Kosala Warnakulasooriya.
Building resilient communities starts with an informed and empowered public - Defence Secretary
Public awareness, education, and training initiatives are the building blocks of resilience. Our collaboration with SAARC countries is not just a diplomatic formality; it's a bond forged in the crucible of shared experiences.
Egyptian Ambassador meets State Minister Tennakoon
Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka, H.E. Maged Mosleh met the State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon at his office in Colombo today (Dec 13).
Special discussion on inclement weather related emergencies
held at Emergency Operations Centre
State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon chaired a special discussion on the wet weather related emergency situation presently being experienced in the country at the Emergency Operations Centre of the Disaster Management Centre in Colombo, yesterday (Dec 11).
State Minister of Defence meets Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Delegation
Senior officials of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) met with the State Minister of Defence in Sri Lanka Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon at his office in Colombo yesterday (Dec. 11).
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation delegation
meets Defence Secretary
Senior officials of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) met the Sri Lankan Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne today (Dec 11) at the Defence Ministry in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte.
Sri Lanka Navy proudly celebrates 73rd Anniversary
The Sri Lanka Navy, widely regarded as the First Line of the Nation's Defence, is celebrating its 73rd Anniversary today, 09th December 2023. Under the able guidance of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, various programmes, emphasizing longstanding naval traditions and religious practices, are being implemented across all Naval Commands in view of the anniversary celebrations.
Warm wishes to Sri Lanka Navy on its 73rd 'Navy Day'
Today (December 9th), Sri Lanka Navy celebrates its 73rd anniversary. The Sri Lanka Navy, known as the country's first line of defence, has played an imperative role in ushering in a new era of peace.
Rains in most parts of the country - Met. Department says
According to the latest weather forecast of the Met. Department issued today (Dec. 08) showers or thundershowers will occur at several places over most provinces of the island after 1.00 p.m.
State Minister Tennakoon calls for collective effort to address
online radicalization of youth
Online youth radicalization in the South Asian region is a complex challenge that demands urgent attention and through fostering education, collaboration, socio-economic development and leveraging technology responsibly, we can empower our youth to resist extremist narratives and pave the way for a more peaceful and harmonious future in the region.
Sri Lanka Assures Professional & Continued Commitment
for UN Peacekeeping Operations
More than 90 countries underlined their commitment to UN Peacekeeping roles during the '2023 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial' the two-day conference in Accra, Ghana that concluded on Wednesday (6 December 2023). His Excellency Rohitha Bogollagama, Special Representative/Special Envoy of Hon Ranil Wickremesinghe, President, together with the Sri Lanka Army’s representative, Major General M.G.W.W.W.M.C.B Wickramasinghe RWP RSP ndu psc, Director General General Staff at the Army HQ attended the meeting sessions, held during 5-6 December 2023.
Condolence Message on the explosion and floods in seychelles
The Ministry of Defence of Sri Lanka and members of the Armed Forces express their deepest condolences to the President and people of Seychelles over the loss of life and destruction caused by an explosion in an industrial area in Mahé and devastating floods in the country. We stand in solidarity with the people of Seychelles at this difficult hour.
Troops Rotation of UN Peacekeeping mission to the Central African Republic
The 9th Contingent from the Sri Lanka Air Force to take up duties with UN Peacekeeping Mission in the Central African Republic departed yesterday (04 December 2023).The contingent comprised 21 Officers and 89 Airmen.
SLAF inducts two Harbin Y-12 IV Aircraft in Momentous Ceremony
In a momentous ceremony held today (05 December 2023) at SLAF Base Ratmalana, the Sri Lanka Air Force marked a significant chapter in the history with the ceremonial induction of two Harbin Y-12 IV aircraft. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the State Minister of Defence, Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, His Excellency Qi Zhenhong.
Awareness Programme on Human Trafficking commenced in Colombo
An awareness programme on Human Trafficking organized by the National Task Force against Human Trafficking and the International Organization for Migration to educate 39 Divisional Secretaries covering 13 districts commenced at Hotel Ramada in Colombo on Monday (Dec. 04). Attending the programme, Defence Secretary and Chairman of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF), General Kamal Gunaratne made the opening remarks.
SLAF spreads the Joy of the Season with “A Christmas Miracle”
The Sri Lanka Air Force Christmas Carols - 2023 was held last night (01 December 2023) to spread the joy of the season with “A Christmas Miracle”. On the invitation of the Chairperson of the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Enoka Rajapaksa and the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, this glittery event was held under the gracious presence of Mrs. Gayani Tennakoon together with State Minister of Defence, Hon. Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon at the Eagles’ Lagoon View in Katunayake.
‘The National Youth Hero Award’ to be presented through the NCC to honour
Sri Lankan young heroes - Acting Minister of Defence
‘The National Youth Hero Award’ will be introduced through the National Cadet Corps (NCC) to honour the emerging Sri Lankan young heroes. The intention behind this move is to groom the youth to be dynamic, versatile and disciplined citizens with extraordinary leadership qualities to face utmost challenges in the future society’.
9th Edition of Ex- ‘Mitra Shakti-2023’ Ends in Pune, India
The 9th edition of the joint military Exercise ‘Mitra Shakti-2023’ formally concluded on Monday (28th November) in Aundh, Pune in India with the participation of troops from India and Sri Lanka.
Weather conditions likely to deteriorate further
The prevailing rainy weather condition is expected to enhance over most parts of the island for the next few days starting from today (Nov. 27), says the Meteorological Department in its latest weather forecast issued today.
Celebrating valour and sportsmanship: the 12th Defence Services Games 2022/2023 concluded in a spectacular closing ceremony
“Sports bring people together regardless of their nationality, religion or skin colour” said the State Minister of Defence, Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon while addressing the closing ceremony of the 12th Defence Services Games as the Chief Guest, at the Sugathadasa stadium in Colombo last evening (Nov. 24).
President underscores Imperative of Strategic Blueprint amid
shifting Global Geopolitical Dynamics
In his address at the Graduation ceremony of the National Defence College, hosted at Eagle Lakeside, Ratmalana yesterday (21), President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the historical significance associated with the National Defence College building. Formerly the residence of Admiral Edwin Thomas Layton during World War II, the edifice is poised to become a focal point in deliberations concerning the strategic decisions formulated within its walls in 1942. The President underscored that these decisions played a pivotal role in upholding British dominance over the Indian Ocean during that crucial juncture in history.
Secretary Defence graces 52nd Bangladesh Armed Forces Day Ceremony
Defence Secretary, General Kamal Gunaratne graced the 52nd Bangladesh Armed Forces Day ceremony as the Chief Guest at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo last evening (Nov. 21).
Youths in East Begin Tamil & Sinhala Language Learning thru SFHQ-East & CCC
Major General M.K.U.P Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG, the Commander, Security Forces - East (SF-East) as the Chief Guest attended the ‘Sinhala Language’ diploma awarding ceremony for Tamil speaking youths, held on Saturday (18) at Oddamawadi National School in Batticaloa at the invitation of the Chairman, Civil Citizens' Committee (CCC), Batticaloa.