News
Condolence Message on the Demise of General Hamilton Wanasinghe (Retd)
The Ministry of Defence expresses its profound sorrow over the passing of General Hamilton Wanasinghe (Retd), former secretary to the Ministry of Defence and commander of the Sri Lanka Army.
Acting Minister of Defence Visits SERRIC
Acting Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), paid a visit to the Senehasa Education, Resource, Research and Information Centre (SERRIC) today (June 12), where he was warmly received by the Commandant and staff.
Acting Minister of Defence Graces the Second Day of Inaugural
Sri Jayawardenapura Poson Udanaya 2025
The inaugural "Sri Jayawardenapura Poson Udanaya 2025" commenced on June 10, marking a significant religious and cultural celebration in the heart of Sri Jayawardenapura. This first-time event is jointly organized by the Madiwela Sri Sambuddhaloka Viharaya, Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and several other government institutions. The Poson zone extends from Kibulawela Junction to Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital Mawatha, centred on the “Kamatha” premises.
Navy Delivers 3,564 Lifesaving Pumps So Far
Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) has so far handed over 3,564 cost-effective thalassemia infusion systems to the Ministry of Health, reaffirming its commitment to public welfare and national healthcare.
Deputy Minister Appointed as Acting Minister of Defence
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed acting ministers for four ministries in view of his departure from the country yesterday (Jun 10) on an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany, undertaken at the invitation of the President of Germany, Mr Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Poson Poya Day Message
The Poson Poya holds significant importance for us in Sri Lanka as it marks a series of religiously significant events in the history of our country. The inception of our nation as a heartland for Theravada Buddhist philosophy and tradition was signified on that remarkable Poson Poya Day, when Arahant Mahinda Thero arrived in Sri Lanka.
Blissful Poson Day
May the wolrd be enlightened by the teachings of the buddha
Hajj Greetings
Today, 7th June 2025, marks the observance of Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage undertaken with profound devotion by Muslims across the world. As the fifth pillar of Islam, this profound spiritual undertaking symbolises Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and ultimate sacrifice to Almighty Allah.
KDU Marks World Environment Day 2025 with a National Call to Action
In line with World Environment Day 2025, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) organized a commemorative event under the theme “Our Planet, Our Responsibility” at the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) Auditorium June 5. The event highlighted the urgent need for environmental protection and sustainable practices.
8th Indo - Sri Lanka Defence Dialogue held in Colombo
The Sri Lanka - India Defence Dialogue was held today (Jun 05) at the Defence Headquarters Complex at Sri Jayawardanapura, Kotte. The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), while the visiting Indian Defence Secretary Mr. Rajesh Kumar Singh led the Indian delegation.
Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh Meets Sri Lankan Defence Leadership to Deepen Bilateral Defence Cooperation
Indian Defence Secretary Mr. Rajesh Kumar Singh, leading a high-level delegation, held separate meetings today (Jun 05) with Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara and Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Calls on Defence Secretary
Sri Lanka’s newly appointed High Commissioner to India, Ms. Maheshika Kolonne, paid a courtesy call on Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Ministry of Defence today ( June 5).
World Environment Day
Beat Plastic Pollution
DSCSC Marks World Environment Day 2025 with Symbolic Tree Planting
The Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) commemorated World Environment Day 2025 with a symbolic tree planting ceremony held on 05 June 2025 at the college premises. The event was graced by Major General H H K S S Hewage RWP RSP USP rcds psc, Commandant of Defence Services Command and Staff College, as the Chief Guest.
UNODC Regional VBSS Course and Maritime Domain Awareness Training successfully concludes in Trincomalee
The Sri Lanka Navy successfully wrapped up a two-week regional training programme, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The programme featured two key training modules: the UNODC’s Regional Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) course, and a Maritime Domain Awareness session. The training took place at the Special Boat Squadron Headquarters (SBSHQ) and Sober Island Resort in Trincomalee. The certificate awarding ceremony was held under the patronage of Commanding Officer SBS on 30 May 25.
Defence Secretary Undertakes Inspection Tour of Batticaloa
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) conducted an inspection tour of the Batticaloa region in the Eastern Province today (June 03), with the objective of evaluating the prevailing security situation.
Sri Lanka-Australia Bilateral Talks Bolster Defence Cooperation
An Australian delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Australia, Hon. Richard Marles, held bilateral discussions with Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), today (03 June) at the Deputy Minister’s Office in Colombo. Australian High Commissioner in Colombo H.E. Paul Stephens also joined the discussions.
Urgent Measures to Address Human-Elephant Conflict
A high-level discussion was convened today (June 2) at the Nila Medura in Narahenpita, Colombo 5 under the patronage of the Minister of Public Administration, Local Government, and Provincial Councils, Dr. A.H.M.H. Abeyratne, along with the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.), to discuss on finding sustainable solutions for mitigating the escalating human-elephant conflict in the Puttalam District.
National Border Management Committee (NBMC) Assembles
After a Six - Year Pause
After a six-year interval, the National Border Management Committee (NBMC) of Sri Lanka reconvened for its 9th session on 30 May 2025 at the Ministry of Defence marking a significant step towards strengthening Sri Lanka's border security framework amidst evolving global and regional security dynamics. The meeting was held under the guidance of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha.
Issues Related to Pensions of Retired War Veterans and Widows and Orphans Pension for War Hero Families Brought to the Attention of Defence Secretary
A special discussion to resolve issues related to the pensions of retired war veterans and the payment of Widows and Orphans Pension (W&OP) to families of fallen war heroes was held today (May 30) at the Ministry of Defence under the patronage of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
Defence Ministry Reaffirms Support for War Veterans and
War Hero Families on Public Day
The Ministry of Defence reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the welfare of war veterans and the families of fallen heroes during its Public Day program held today (May 30) at the Ministry premises. This event followed a similar program conducted on Wednesday (May 28). Both events were held under the guidance of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.), reflecting the Ministry's continued dedication to supporting those who have served the nation and their loved ones.
Deputy Minister of Defence Inspects Drug Haul Apprehended in an SLN Operation at Dikkowita Harbour
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), visited the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour today (May 28) to inspect the massive consignment of illicit drugs intercepted by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) during a high-seas operation.
Egyptian Ambassador Calls on Defence Secretary
The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka, H.E. Adel Ibrahim, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, today (May 27).
Indonesian High Commissioner Calls on Deputy Minister of Defence
High Commissioner of Indonesia in Colombo, Her Excellency Mrs. Dewi Gustina Tobing, made a courtesy visit to the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at his office in Colombo today (May 27).