News
World Meteorological Day -2025
"Closing the Early Warning Gap, Together"
Early preparation and effective disaster mitigation help to save lives during weather related natural disasters.
Newly Appointed Director of NCC Calls on Defence Secretary
Newly appointed Director of National Cadet Corps (NCC), Brigadier Rajitha Premathilake, called on the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at his office at the Defence Ministry today (Mar 24).
Newly Appointed Director General of CDRD calls on Defence Secretary
Commodore Janaka Gunaseela has been appointed as the 9th Director General of the Centre for Defence Research and Development (CDRD), affiliated with the Ministry of Defence.
JMSDF MURASAME calls Port of Colombo
Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) MURASAME arrived at the Port of Colombo on a replenishment visit this morning (22 Mar 25). The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.
Defence Ministry Reviews the Progress of On-going Clean Sri Lanka Initiatives
As instructed by the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), a special session was conducted in order to review the progress of ongoing Clean Sri Lanka initiatives implemented in the ministerial level at the Ministry auditorium today (Mar 21).
Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Calls on Deputy Minister of Defence
Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), Admiral Samuel Paparo called on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) today (Mar 20) at the Deputy Minister's office.
Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Meets Defence Secretary
Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), Admiral Samuel Paparo, called on the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Defence Ministry in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte today (Mar 20).
French Joint Commander in the Indian Ocean Calls on the Defence Secretary
The Joint Commander of the French Forces deployed in the Indian Ocean, Rear Admiral Hugues Laine called on the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Defence Ministry in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte on Wednesday (Mar 19).
New Deputy Vice Chancellor (Defence & Administration) at KDU Assumes Duties
Brigadier RKARP Ratnayake RSP USP psc officially assumed duties as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Defence & Administration) of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) on March 14 (2025).
Contribution of the Civil Security Department to Food Security in Sri Lanka
The Civil Security Department (CSD) plays a vital role in the country's economic development by implementing agricultural projects aimed at ensuring food security in Sri Lanka.
High Commissioner of Maldives calls on Deputy Minister of Defence
High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Masood Imad, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) on Tuesday (Mar 18) at the Deputy Minister's office.
Russian Ambassador Meets Deputy Minister of Defence
Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Colombo, His Excellency Levan S. Dzhagaryan paid a courtesy visit to Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), Deputy Minister of Defence, on Tuesday (Mar 18) at the Deputy Minister's office.
Navy earns high accolades as Kachchativu feast concludes on high note
The annual feast of St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kachchativu, held on 14 and 15 Mar 25, was a vibrant celebration of faith and unity, drawing a large number of devotees from across India and Sri Lanka. The event saw the main mass led by prominent clergy, including the Bishop of Sivagangai Diocese in India, Rt. Revd. Dr. Lourdu Ananthan, Vicar General of Jaffna Diocese, Very Revd. Fr. P. J. Jebaratnam, Revd. Fr. Ciswan de Croos from Colombo Arch Diocese, Parish Priest of Rameswaram in India, Revd. Fr. Ashok and Parish Priest in Delft, Revd. Fr. P. Pathinathan. Organized by the Bishop of Jaffna Diocese, Rt. Revd. Justin Gnanapragasam and Jaffna District Secretary, Mr. Maruthalingam Piiratheepan, the festival was a testament to cross-border spiritual camaraderie. The Sri Lanka Navy, which received high praise from all communities present at the annual festival, played a pivotal role, lending its technical expertise and manpower to ensure seamless arrangements.
SLAF and Sri Lankan Airlines sign Landmark Training Agreement
The SLAF and SriLankan Airlines Limited have entered into a partnership today (18 March 2025) by signing an agreement aimed at enhancing aviation training services. The agreement was signed at Air Force Headquarters, marking a significant step in strengthening collaboration between the two organizations.
ICRC Head of Delegation Meets Sri Lankan Deputy Defence Minister
Ms. Séverine Chappaz, Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Sri Lanka, met with Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) in Colombo on Friday (Mar 14).
French Navy Ship PROVENCE calls Port of Colombo
The French Navy ship PROVENCE arrived at the Port of Colombo yesterday (Mar 16) on an official visit. The vessel was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy with the customary naval traditions, SLN media says.
Deputy Minister of Defence makes guest lecture
at the DSCSC 'Diner's Club'
Delivering an inspirational lecture at the first 'Diners’ Club' event for term 1 of Course No. 19 of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) in Makola, the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) spoke on ‘Strategic Challenges and Law & Order: Safeguarding Sri Lanka’s Path to Prosperity,’ and offered valuable perspectives on crucial topics related to national security and governance, creating a thought-provoking atmosphere for the event.
As part of the 'Clean Sri Lanka' initiative, the Tri-Forces, under the Defence Ministry's supervision, are efficiently renovating schools nationwide
The nationwide project to clean and refurbish 1,000 selected schools as part of the government's 'Clean Sri Lanka' program is progressing with the dedicated involvement of the Tri-Forces. This initiative is being closely supervised by Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) and Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
Navy Seva Vanitha Unit celebrates International Women's Day
with inspiring programme
In celebration of International Women's Day, a special Women's Day programme was held on 08 Mar 25 at the Wave N' Lake Navy Hall in Welisara, under the patronage of the Chairperson of Ministry of Defence Seva Vanitha Unit, Dr. Ruvini Rasika Perera. The programme, organized at the directives of the President of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Anusha Banagoda, was dedicated to lady officers, women sailors, and spouses of naval personnel. The colourful event was also dignified by the presence of the Commander of the Navy.
Deputy Minister of Defence Reiterates Sri Lanka's Need for a
Comprehensive Maritime Strategy
As an island nation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Sri Lanka requires a well-defined maritime strategy that integrates economic, political and environmental considerations. In an era of rapidly evolving regional and global dynamics, reassessing existing maritime policies has become imperative to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
Deputy Minister of Defence Visits National Defence College
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), paid an official visit to the National Defence College (NDC) in Colombo on Friday (Mar 7).
Deputy Minister of Defence Visits Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Ltd
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), paid an official visit to Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Ltd (RALL) on Thursday (Mar 6). RALL, a state-owned security services company, operates under the purview of the Ministry of Defence.
International Women's Day
You are the guardians of peace, the architects of progress and the pillars of strength in our world. Your bravery in the face of challenges, your leadership in times of uncertainty and your relentless pursuit of excellence inspire generations to come.
Defence Secretary Chairs Meeting on Proposed
SL Air Force Hospital Construction
A special meeting on the proposed Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) hospital construction project was held today (Mar 07) at the Defence Ministry, chaired by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
Maj Gen Sampath Kotuwegoda (Retd) New Director General of DMC
Maj Gen Sampath Kotuwegoda (Retd) has been appointed as the Director General of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).