News
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).
National Hydrographer Calls on Defence Secretary
The National Hydrographer of Sri Lanka, Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Ministry of Defence in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte on Monday (May 26).
CISM delegates lay wreaths at National War Heroes’ Monument
Delegates from the International Military Sports Council (CISM), representing Africa, America, Asia, and Europe, paid their respects at the National War Heroes’ Monument in Battaramulla on 20 May by laying floral wreaths. The visit was part of the ongoing 80th CISM General Assembly & Congress, hosted by the Sri Lanka Defence Services Sports Board from 19 to 25 May in Colombo.
In line with the ''World Ocean Women’s Day'', Women in the Maritime Domain participating in the associated symposium undertook an official visit to the
Sri Lanka Coast Guard Headquarters
A Sixteen member (16) delegation comprising representatives from the Australia, Bangladesh, French, India, Kenya, Malagasy Republic, Maldives, Mauritania, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United States, who are participating in the symposium on women stakeholders in the maritime sector organized in line with "World Ocean Women’s Day" on May 18 undertook an official visit today (May 22 2025) to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Headquarters.
80th CISM General Assembly and Congress Concludes on a High Note
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) presided over the closing ceremony of the 80th CISM General Assembly and Congress, held today (May 23) at the Grand Maitland, Colombo.
7th International Defence Attachés Course Concludes Successfully
The 7th International Defence Attachés Course concluded on a high note with a distinguished closing ceremony held yesterday (May 21) at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) auditorium. The event was graced by the Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Dr. Siri Walt, who attended as the Chief Guest.
Deputy Minister of Defence Unveils Commemorative SLLI History Book
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), ceremonially launched the official history book of the 1st Battalion of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) on Wednesday (May 21). The launch was held at the SLLI auditorium in Panagoda in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the 1st Battalion of SLLI.
Deputy Minister of Defence Hosts Strategic Dialogue with RCDS Delegation
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), presided over a high-level strategic dialogue with a delegation from the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), United Kingdom (UK), at the Ministry of Defence in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, today (May 21).
Defence Secretary Attends National Aeronautical Search and
Rescue Committee Meeting
The National Aeronautical Search and Rescue Committee (NASC) convened today (May 21) at the Maganeguma - Mahamedura Complex in Battaramulla. The meeting was attended by Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), who serves as the Co -Chairman of the Committee.
Visit of RCDS Delegation to INSS
A delegation from the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) of the United Kingdom arrived in Sri Lanka as part of their study tour and visited the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), the premier national security think tank established under and functioning within the Ministry of Defence. The RCDS is a world-renowned institution dedicated to developing strategic thinkers and leaders within the armed forces and civil service who have the potential to reach the highest ranks and operate effectively at the strategic level in cross -government and international environments.
Israeli Ambassador Calls on Defence Secretary
The Ambassador of Israel to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Reuven Javier Azar, 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 20).
Ministry of Defence Establishes Internal Affairs Unit
In line with the directives issued through a Presidential Secretariat Circular, under the guidance of the Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Internal Affairs Units (IAUs) are being established across all state institutions to facilitate the submission of inquiries and complaints regarding public service delivery, in accordance with the 2025–2029 National Anti-Corruption Plan. Accordingly, the Ministry of Defence established its IAU today (May 20) at the Ministry premises, under the patronage of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuiyacontha (Retd).
President Graces 16th National War Heroes Day
Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, presided over the 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony held today (May 19) at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte. The event honoured the heroic sacrifices of the Tri-Forces, Police and Civil Security Department (CSD) personnel who laid down their lives in service to the nation.
Deputy Minister of Defence Visits War Heroes at Ranaviru Sevana
In commemoration of Victory Day, Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) paid a visit to the Ranaviru Sevana in Ragama today (May 19).
Deputy Minister of Defence Inaugurates
80th CISM General Assembly and Congress
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) officially inaugurated the 80th General Assembly and Congress of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) at a ceremonial event held at The Grand Maitland Hotel in Colombo today (May 19).
Victory Day
Let's unite and work towards building a better country for the future generation...
President to Preside Over the 16th National War Heroes
Commemoration Ceremony
The 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony will be held on May 19, 2025, at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, under the esteemed patronage of Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Deputy Minister of Defence Graces Colourful ‘Bakmaha Ulela’
Celebrations at Ministry of Defence
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) attended the vibrant Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival, ‘Bakmaha Ulela’, organised by the Ministry of Defence at the Defence Headquarters Complex yesterday (May 16). The event, filled with traditional games, customs, and cultural performances, brought together military and civil staff in a spirited celebration of unity and heritage.
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).