News
Army Intensifies Post-Disaster Assistance
Demonstrating its continued commitment to national disaster-recovery operations, the Sri Lanka Army has deployed troops across several districts to support the restoration of essential public services and damaged infrastructure.
Indian Naval Ships Bring Relief Supplies to Sri Lanka
Four Indian naval vessels, including INS Gharial and three Landing Craft Utility ships (L-51, L-54 and L-57), reached Sri Lanka on 07 and 08 December with humanitarian aid for communities affected by recent severe weather. The Sri Lanka Navy received the ships at the Colombo and Trincomalee ports with customary naval courtesies.
Another IAF MI-17V5 Helicopter Arrives in Sri Lanka to Support
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) confirms that another Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17V5 helicopter arrived yesterday (09 December 2025) to bolster ongoing disaster recovery efforts.
Book Authored by Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka Launched
The book “Army Commander’s Promise to the Nation – I Shall Not Leave This War Behind to the Next Army Commander”, authored by Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, was launched at a ceremony held yesterday (09 December) at the Defence Services College Auditorium in Colombo.
Sri Lanka Navy Moves Into State-of-the-Art Headquarters at DHQC, Akuregoda
The Sri Lanka Navy officially moved into its new Headquarters at the Defence Headquarters Complex (DHQC) in Akuregoda, today (09 December) marking a historic milestone as the Navy celebrated its 75th anniversary.
High-Level Committee appointed for Foreign Relief
Aid Coordination - HL-FRAC
A newly appointed High-Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC) convened on 08 December at the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Colombo, to strengthen the national system for receiving, coordinating, and distributing foreign relief aid to communities affected by the recent disaster.
IAF Two MI - 17 V5 Helicopters Depart Sri Lanka After Completing
Humanitarian Operations
The first MI-17 V5 helicopter of the Indian Air Force (IAF), deployed to support Sri Lanka’s disaster relief efforts following Cyclone Ditwa, departed the island on 06 December 2025. The second MI-17 V5 concluded its mission and returned to India this morning (08 December 2025), marking the completion of the IAF’s air support operations conducted in close coordination with the SLAF.
UK Defence Attaché, Deputy Defence Minister Discuss Expanded
Disaster Relief and Defence Cooperation
The United Kingdom Defence Attaché to Sri Lanka, Colonel Keith Miles, met with the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), at the Disaster Management Centre today (08 December) for discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in disaster management and defence capacity building.
China Donates Humanitarian Aid to Strengthen Sri Lanka’s
Disaster Relief Efforts
A humanitarian aid consignment from the Government of the People’s Republic of China was formally handed over to Sri Lanka today (08 December) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), providing timely support for ongoing relief and recovery operations following recent adverse weather conditions that affected several regions of the country.
Tri-Forces Intensify Post-Disaster Recovery Efforts for
‘Rebuild Sri Lanka’ Programme
Sri Lanka’s Tri-Forces continue to play the leading role in national post-disaster relief work. Tri-Forces troops on the ground swiftly acted to address the immediate needs of affected communities and strategically support key restoration and rehabilitation efforts. They work within the national strategy under the ‘Rebuild Sri Lanka’ programme to ensure an efficient, unified response to post-disaster recovery.
Myanmar Air Force (MAF) Y-8 Aircraft Arrives
in Sri Lanka with Humanitarian Relief
A consignment of humanitarian relief items from the Government of Myanmar arrived in Sri Lanka today (06 December 2025). The shipment was transported by a Myanmar Air Force (MAF) Y-8 aircraft carrying essential natural disaster relief supplies to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwa.
Defence Secretary Inspects Disaster Response Operations
and Relief Distribution Facilities
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) undertook an inspection visit today (07 December) to the Call Center and National Emergency Operation Center of the Disaster Management Center (DMC) to review the ongoing coordination of national disaster response activities.
Two US C-130 Aircraft Arrive at BIA with Technical Expertise for
Post-Disaster Relief Operation
Two C-130 Hercules transport aircraft of the United States Air Force arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today (07 December), bringing a specialized team of technical experts and essential equipment to bolster Sri Lanka's ongoing post-disaster relief and recovery operations.
Indian NDRF Members Depart after Completing
Operation ‘Sagar Bandhu’ in Sri Lanka
Indian National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) members departed Sri Lanka this morning (05 December 2025) after successfully completing their mission under ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’.
Sri Lanka Navy takes delivery of Ex-USCGC DECISIVE
The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) formally took delivery of the EX-United States Coast Guard Cutter, USCGC DECISIVE, provided by the United States to SLN, in a ceremony held at the United States Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore on 02 Dec 25. The event was also attended by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda. The ship formally joined the SLN fleet on 02 December under the pennant number P 628 and the main mast of the ship will fly the National Flag effective from that date.
Lanka Ashok Leyland Donates Vehicles to Support “Rebuild Sri Lanka” Initiative
Lanka Ashok Leyland has donated a fleet of vehicles valued at over Rs. 65 million to support national recovery efforts under the Rebuild Sri Lanka programme, a government initiative aimed at restoring communities and infrastructure affected by recent adverse weather conditions.
SLT-MOBITEL Provides Critical Communication Support for
National Disaster Relief Operations
SLT-MOBITEL has contributed vital telecommunication support to strengthen ongoing disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of the recent adverse weather that affected several parts of the country. Ensuring uninterrupted communication is a key factor in the effective coordination of relief operations across the island.
Sri Lanka’s Defence Attaché to Thailand Calls on Defence Secretary
Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Defence Attaché to the Kingdom of Thailand, Group Captain Vajira Jayakody, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (05 December).
Pakistan’s NDMA Sends Humanitarian Relief Shipment to Sri Lanka
A consignment of humanitarian relief items from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan arrived in Sri Lanka today (04 December 2025). The shipment includes tarpaulin sheets and dry milk, extended to support communities affected by the recent disaster.
German Defence Attaché Calls on the Defence Secretary
The Defence Attaché of the Federal Republic of Germany Embassy, Colonel Klaus Willi Merkel, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (05 December).
President Pays Final Respect to Group Captain Nirmal Siyambalapitiya
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid his final respect to the remains of Group Captain Nirmal Siyambalapitiya, the pilot who died in the helicopter crash that occurred in Lunuwila, Wennappuwa, while engaged in providing relief to disaster-affected communities.
Japan Provides Humanitarian Assistance to Support Sri Lanka's
Disaster Relief Effort
A consignment of humanitarian aid from Japan was officially handed over to Sri Lanka today (04 December) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), providing crucial support to ongoing relief efforts following the severe adverse weather caused national disaster.
Thurstan College Fraternity Donates Rs. 3.25 Million to Strengthen
National Disaster Management Efforts
A financial contribution of Rs. 3,250,000.00 was officially handed over to Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Ministry of Defence today, in support of the National Disaster Management Fund.
Tudawe Trading Donates High - Pressure Cleaning Equipment to Support
National Flood-Relief Efforts
A donation ceremony was held at the Ministry of Defence premises today (03 December), where Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) formally received a consignment of essential cleaning equipment from Tudawe Trading Pvt Ltd to bolster ongoing national flood-relief and recovery operations.