News
Government Acts to Curb Illegal Fishing Concerns along Eastern Coastline
The Government has implemented a series of proactive measures to address escalating concerns about illegal fishing activities along the eastern coastal region spanning Trincomalee to Potuvil.
Sri Aviation Unit Executes Daring Casevac Mission in Hostile Zemio
The Sri Aviation Unit Bria, operating under the United Nations mandate in the Central African Republic, successfully executed a critical Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) mission on 14 June 2025 amidst a highly hostile environment. The operation involved an Mi-17 helicopter (UNO 326P) tasked with the urgent onsite casualty pickup of three UN personnel from Zemio who were severely wounded in combat.
Vietnamese Ambassador Calls on Defence Secretary
Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Mrs. Trinh Thi Tam, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), today (June 18) at the Ministry of Defence.
New US DA Calls on Deputy Minister of Defence
Newly appointed Defence Attaché (DA) to the United States (US) in Sri Lanka, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew House, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), today (June 18) at his office.
MOD Staff Join Hands to Save Lives at SVU Blood Drive
A blood donation campaign, organised by the Sava Vanitha Unit (SVU) of the Ministry of Defence, drew a large number of Defence Ministry staffers today (June 18). The programme, held under the guidance of the Chairperson of the SVU, Dr. (Mrs) Ruvini Rasika Perera, in view of World Blood Donor Day, commenced at the Ministry premises this morning.
Ministerial Consultative Committee on Defence convenes
under the patronage of Hon. President
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Defence met yesterday (17) in Parliament under the Chairmanship of the Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Minister of Defence.
Defence Secretary Chairs a Meeting on MRIA Perimeter Fence Damages
Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) presided over a meeting today (June 17) to address the ongoing issues concerning the perimeter fence of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA). The primary focus of the discussion was the recurring damages caused to the fence as a result of elephant intrusions in the surrounding area.
Central Bus Stand Colombo Revamp under Clean Sri Lanka Initiative
The Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, along with the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), undertook an inspection tour of the Central Bus Stand in Colombo today (June 16). The visit was aimed at reviewing plans for the upcoming renovation of this vital public transport hub.
Sri Lanka Charts a Disaster-Resilient Path with NDMP 2023 - 2030
The National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) 2023 - 2030 Sensitization Workshop, held today (June 16) at Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo City Centre, marked a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s national resilience strategy. Organized by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) under the Ministry of Defence, the workshop brought together key stakeholders from government, international organizations, NGOs and the private sector.
Defence Ministry Reviews It’s Strategic Plan 2025
The Ministry of Defence launched a workshop for the preparation of the Strategic Plan 2025-2029 at the Malima Club House, Uswetakeiyawa today (June 14). This significant event aims to set the direction for national defence priorities and operational excellence over the next five years. Senior officials and planning experts gathered to share insights and lay the foundation for an actionable and forward-looking strategy.
NACWC Conducts Awareness Program on Safe Handling of Household
Chemicals at Ministry of Defence
The National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) conducted a one-day awareness program on the Safe Handling of Household Chemicals and Chemical Safety and Security on Thursday (June 12) at the Nandimitra Conference Hall, Ministry of Defence.
Acting Minister of Defence Visits Turkish Navy Ship TCG Büyükada;
Reaffirms Strong Bilateral Ties
Acting Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) visited the Turkish Navy ship TCG Büyükada (F-512) on Friday (June 13). He was warmly welcomed on board by the Ambassador of Türkiye to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Semih Lütfü Turgut, and the ship’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Anul Bilgin.
Turkish Naval Ship TCG BÜYÜKADA arrives in Colombo
The Turkish Naval Ship TCG BÜYÜKADA arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit this morning (13 Jun 25). The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.
NCC Hosts Acting Minister of Defence
The Acting Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), paid an official visit to the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Headquarters in Pamankada today (June 13). The visit marked a significant engagement with one of Sri Lanka’s foremost youth development institutions under the Ministry of Defence.
Turkish Ambassador Pays Courtesy Call on Sri Lanka’s
Acting Minister of Defence
The Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, His Excellency Semih Lütfü Turgut, paid a courtesy call on the Acting Minister of Defence of Sri Lanka, Major General Aruna Jayasekera (Retd), at his office in Colombo today (June 13).
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.