News
COSATT-INSS-KAS CONFERENCE ON ‘MARITIME SECURITY OF SMALL, MIDDLE AND ISLAND NATIONS: BETWEEN COMPETITION, COOPERATION AND CO-EXISTENCE’
The international conference on ‘Maritime Security of Small, Middle and Island Nations: Between Competition, Cooperation and Co-Existence’ was successfully held from 15 -16 May 2025 at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The event was co-organised by the Consortium of South Asian Think Tanks (COSATT), the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS).
Press conference held to announce the preparations for the 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony
The Ministry of Defence today (May 16) convened a press conference to announce the preparations for the 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony, which will take place on 19 May 2025 at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte.
International Conference on Maritime Security Inaugurated in Colombo
The two-day International Conference, jointly organized by the Consortium of South Asian Think Tanks (COSATT), the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), was inaugurated today (15 May) at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo. The theme of the conference is “Maritime Security of Small, Middle, and Island Nations: Between Competition, Cooperation, and Co-existence.”
Deputy Minister of Defence Joins Third Day of ‘Buddha Rashmi 2025’
National Vesak Zone opening ceremony
The opening ceremony for the third day of the 'Buddha Rashmi 2025' National Vesak Zone took place last evening, with the participation of Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.). The event, a joint initiative of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat, and the Prime Minister’s Office, continues to serve as a beacon of spiritual and cultural celebration in the heart of Colombo.
Sri Lanka Hosts 7th International Defence Attachés Course in
Collaboration with GCSP
The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence in Sri Lanka (MOD), launched the 7th International Defence Attachés Course on May 14 at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), Colombo. The one-week long programme which brings together participants from over 35 countries, will run from 14 to 21 May 2025.
Defence Secretary Inaugurates ‘සිරසා නමාමි වෙසක් කලාපය 2025’ in Colombo
A special procession of sacred relics set the tone for the celebrations, enriching the spiritual significance of the festival. The event also features the 'Vesak Thorana' with vibrant artistic illuminations, a Vesak Bakthi Geetha show with performances by esteemed artists and choirs, and multiple Dansal offering free food and refreshments to devotees, reinforcing the core values of Vesak. In a unique addition to this year's event, the Department of Archaeology has curated an exhibition featuring historical Buddhist artifacts, allowing visitors to connect with Sri Lanka’s rich religious heritage.
Vesak Day Message
The Vesak Full Moon Poya Day, which marks the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana of the Lord Buddha, is a day of profound significance for Buddhists worldwide. It was on such a sacred Vesak Day that the Buddha, having fulfilled the Perfections (P?ramit?s), vanquished the forces of M?ra, cultivated wisdom through the Middle Path, realised the Four Noble Truths and eradicated all defilements to attain Supreme Enlightenment (Samm? Sambuddha).
Happy Vesak Ceremony
"Bhajetha mitte kalyane-bhajetha purisuttame"
Let us associate with noble friends, endowed with virtuous qualities
Expression of Gratitude
The Ministry of Defence extends its profound appreciation to the local community of Maduruoya, the medical professionals and personnel of the Aralaganwila Divisional Hospital and Polonnaruwa Base Hospital, and the dedicated members of the fire and ambulance services for their invaluable assistance following the Bell 212 helicopter accident on 9 May 2025 at the Special Forces Camp during a passing-out parade display performance rehearsals.
Sri Lanka Army Hands Over 40.70 Acres of Land
to Civilian Owners in Jaffna
A total of 40.70 acres of land, divided into three separate plots, was officially handed over to civilian ownership under a Land Releasing Programme conducted at the Jaffna District Secretariat on 01 May 2025.
Defence Secretary Graces 80th Russian Victory Day Celebrations
The 80th Victory Day Anniversary of the Russian Federation was commemorated on Monday (May 5) at the Russian House in Colombo. Gracing the event as Chief Guest, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) delivered an address honouring the sacrifices made during the Great Patriotic War.
Pakistan NDU Delegation Visits Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence
A delegation from the Pakistan National Defence University (NDU), headed by Commodore Muhammad Ali, paid a visit to the Ministry of Defence at the Defence Headquarters Complex in Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte, today (May 05).
ICRC Head of Delegation Meets Defence Secretary
Ms. Severine Chappaz, Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Sri Lanka, met with Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Ministry of Defence in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte today (May 05).
Navy’s EOD & CBRNE Experts Hone Tactics in Trincomalee
A total of 24 personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy’s Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and three members from the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) participated in a specialized training program on Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (EOD & CBRNE). The program was designed to enhance operational capabilities and promote knowledge sharing in EOD and CBRNE response techniques, Navy media says.
First Female Military Observer From SLAF Honoured In Minurso
The prestigious United Nations Peacekeepers' Medal Awarding Parade for military Observers deployed in the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINUSRO) was held on 30 April 2025.
Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) appointed
as Acting Minister of Defence
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has left the island on an official visit to Vietnam.
Japanese Defence Minister visits Sri Lanka to strengthen bilateral
defence collaboration
Making an official high-level visit aimed at enhancing diplomatic relations and defence collaborations the Japanese Minister of Defence Hon. Nakatani Gen arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday (May 03).
5th Iteration of SL-Pakistan Defence Dialogue Concludes
Demonstrating the shared commitment to enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, the 5th Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue was successfully concluded on April 30 in Islamabad, Pakistan. The high-level discussions, which commenced on April 28, brought together senior defence officials from both countries to review existing partnerships and explore new avenues for Defence relations and cooperation.
Defence Secretary Meets Pakistani Navy Chief
As part of the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) held a side-line meeting on Thursday (May 01) with Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan.
Defence Secretary Meets Pakistani Minister for
Economic Affairs and Army Chief
As part of the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) held a side-line meeting on Tuesday (Apr 29) with General Asim Munir, Chief of the Army Staff of Pakistan.
Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue Strengthens Strategic Ties
The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (Apr 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.
SLNS Samudura departs to participate in IMDEX Asia 2025 in Singapore
SLNS Samudura on 27 Apr 25 set sail from the Port of Colombo to Changi, Singapore to join the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2025, Asia Pacific's leading naval and maritime defence event. The vessel was ceremoniously sent off from Colombo, following traditional naval customs.
Tri Forces Humanitarian Team Returns After Myanmar Relief Mission
The specially deployed Tri Forces Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Team returned home today (Apr 26) at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) after the successful completion of their emergency relief mission in Myanmar.
Deputy Minister of Defence Pays Final Respects to Late His Holiness Pope Francis
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), visited the Vatican Embassy this morning (Apr 25) to express his condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Deputy Minister of Defence Pays Tribute at ANZAC Memorial Ceremony
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), paid tribute at the ANZAC memorial monument during the annual ANZAC Day commemoration held today (Apr 25) at the Jawatte Cemetery in Colombo 05.