Latest News / News Updates
Successful Anti-Smuggling Operation in Chilaw Yields Major Kendu Leaves Haul
An operation conducted by the Intelligence staff of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Station (CGS) Chilaw a significant breakthrough was achieved in the early hours of 06th March 2024. Acting on received intelligence, a combined effort with CGS Chilaw personnel resulted in the apprehension of three individuals and the seizure of an astonishing 1107 kilograms of Kendu leaves.
Eastern seas set the stage for TRINEX - 24
The Sri Lanka Navy’s “Trincomalee Naval Exercise (TRINEX) - 24” enters its second day after commencing at the Navy Dockyard in Trincomalee on Monday (Mar. 04). According to Navy media, this training exercise is aimed at continuously enhancing its operational efficiency.
15th Contingent of SLFPC Salutes Commander of the Army Before UNIFIL Mission
The 15th contingent of the Sri Lanka Force Protection Company (SLFPC) is set to embark on their peacekeeping mission under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). They presented a ceremonial salute to Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, at the parade ground of Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment on Friday (01 March).
President vows action against economic rights violations
The President stressed that if the economic rights of Sri Lanka are harmed in the Red Sea, the country will stand up for them. He also stated that Sri Lanka will work to provide the necessary support to the United Nations organization whenever there are problems with peace in the region and the world.
President Wickremesinghe pledges to safeguard Sri Lanka’s
economic initiatives in the Indian Ocean
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the Sri Lanka Navy has been entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding Sri Lanka’s oceanic territories, including the Indian Ocean region. He underscored that the nation’s economic initiatives will not be permitted to suffer any harm in the Indian Ocean.
UNIFIL DFC Commends Sri Lankan Peacekeepers for
Dedication and Skill Development Efforts
The Deputy Force Commander (DFC) of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major General Chok Bahadur Dhakal, recently paid a visit to the 14 Sri Lankan Force Protection Unit (SLFPU) camp in Greenhill on 22 February 2024.
‘Let the spirit of camaraderie guide us towards discoveries that will leave a permanent mark on the landscape of global security’ - Defence Secretary
‘In acknowledging the role played by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in advancing global peace and security, we are proud to announce that Sri Lanka’s initiative to introduce a new Act and an online Chemical Monitoring and Regulatory System (CM&RS) dedicated to overseeing security-related chemicals’.
Sri Lanka Navy facilitates successful annual feast
at St. Anthony’s Church in Kachchativu
The annual feast of St. Anthony’s Church in Kachchativu was held on a successful note on 23rd and 24th February 2024. Kachchativu is an islet belonging to Sri Lanka, located close to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) of Sri Lanka and India. The main mass of the church festival was conducted by the Vicar General of the Jaffna Diocese Rev. Fr. Josephdas Jebaratnam. The proceedings of the event had been organised under the guidance of the District Secretary of Jaffna, Mr. A Sivabalasundaram. The main mass was attended by the Secretary to the President, Mr Saman Ekanayake, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, distinguished invitees, a large number of devotees and a representative from the Indian government.
SF-Wanni Troops Donate Blood to Vavuniya District General Hospital
Troops of Security Force Headquarters – Wanni (SFHQ-Wanni) arranged a blood donation programme to replenish essential blood stocks of the Vavuniya District General Hospital on Thursday (22 Feb) at the Army Field Hospital, SF-Wanni.
State Minister of Defence meets U.S. delegation on board SLNS Vijayabahu
State Minister of Defence, Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon met a U.S. delegation, including the Deputy Secretary of State for Management & Resources and the Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Department of State Richard R. Verma and U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Julie Chung on board SLNS Vijayabahu on Friday (Feb 23).
Navy-built 995th RO plant declared open at Serana Primary School in Mahiyangana
Another Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant, built as part of the Naval Social Responsibility (NSR) project of the Sri Lanka Navy, was declared open at the Serana Primary School in Arawatta, Mahiyangana on 21st February 2024. This is the 995th RO plant built by the Navy going by its magnanimous NSR initiative.
Rear Admiral Pradeep Rathnayake appointed as Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Navy
Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the President and Commander - in - Chief of the Armed Forces of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka appointed Rear Admiral Pradeep Rathnayake as the Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Navy effective from 16th January 2024.
Major General A.H.L.G Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc Receives
Global Recognition for HR Leadership
Major General A.H.L.G Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc, the Director General Financial Management and the Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Engineer Services, was honored with the prestigious "Global HR Leadership Award" for 2024.
SLNS Samudura leaves for Maldives to take part in Exercise Dosti - XVI
Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Samudura today (20th February 2024) left for the Maldives from the port of Colombo to take part in Exercise Dosti - XVI. The trilateral exercise ‘Dosti’ is scheduled to be held in Male from 22nd to 25th February.
Sri Lanka Celebrates World Military Day with CISM Run
More than 300 Tri-Services members participated in the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) run on 18 February 2024, to commemorate the World Military Day. The event, headed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, along with Army, Navy and Air Force Commanders, as well as Tri-Services Senior Officers, began at Parliament Ground in Battaramulla.
Defence Secretary visits Iranian Naval Ship
Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne visited the Iranian Naval Ship IRINS Tonb at the Port of Colombo on Saturday (Feb 17).
Defence Secretary pays tribute to Colonel Olcott
Remembering the 117th death anniversary of Buddhist revivalist, Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne paid floral tributes to the statue of the late Colonel Olcott opposite the Fort Railway Station, Colombo today (Feb 17).
SLNS Sayurala leaves for India to take part in MILAN 2024
Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Sayurala today (16th February 2024) left for India from the Port of Trincomalee to take part in MILAN 2024. MILAN, the multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy for the 12th time, will be held from 19th to 27th February in the Visakhapatnam Port and in the Bay of Bengal, eastern seas of India.
Leading Seaman SMASM Subasinghe wins gold medal in 400m at
‘Grand Prix Dubai Fazza’
Leading Seaman SMASM Subasinghe, a para athlete from the Sri Lanka Navy made headlines by clinching the gold medal in the 400m men’s event (T47 category) at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2024 on 16th February 2024. The para athletics championship was held from 08th to 15th February 2024 in Dubai.
‘Together, we are not just discussing the future; we are shaping it with the formidable capabilities of our armed forces.’ - Defence Secretary
‘Currently, we proudly stand with the strength of over 1800 military engineers, spanning diverse domains such as Civil, Mechanical, Electronic, Telecommunication, Marine, Aeronautical and many more. Our primary objective is to elevate the aspirations of our young military engineers. We aim to propel them to greater heights in the engineering realm by providing the necessary support and resources to attain chartered engineering qualifications.’
Duo of Iranian Naval Ships arrive in Colombo
The Iranian Naval Ship (IRINS) Bushehr and Tonb arrived at the port of Colombo on a formal visit this morning (16th February 2024). The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.
“SOUTH ASIAN GEOPOLITICS IN 2024: LESSONS FOR SRI LANKA”
The Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), the Ministry of Defence’s premier think tank on national security, hosted a close door webinar on “South Asian Geopolitics in 2024: Lessons for Sri Lanka”
Navy aids in containing blaze on private property in Talaimannar
In a swift response to a distress call, the Navy on 12th February 2024 deployed its firefighters to assist in extinguishing a fire that broke out on private land in Talaimannar. The fire, which posed a threat to nearby properties and vegetation, was brought under control with the coordinated efforts of the Navy.
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Sri Lanka Army Deploys Troops to Ensure Healthcare Continuity
amidst Health Sector Strike
In a move to ensure uninterrupted access to essential healthcare services amidst an island-wide strike by health sector trade unions, the Sri Lanka Army deployed troops to government hospitals across the country today (13 February 2024).
Defence Secretary graces book launching ceremony
Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne graced the launching of the book "Yuga Yuga" authored by Colonel Dilipa Serasinghe of the Sri Lanka Army Military Police yesterday (Feb. 09). The ceremony was held at the Government Information Department Auditorium last evening.