News Highlights
Sri Lanka Navy uses satellite information to nab drug smuggling
Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) together with the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) have busted, the biggest ever haul of drugs at sea, stocked in three foreign fishing trawlers with 400 kilograms of heroin and 100 kilograms of the ICE (crystal methamphetamine) during a 25 day long joint operation, yesterday.
Sri Lanka hopes UNHRC would recognise ground realities – Minister Gunawardena
The Government said at today’s UNHRC session that Sri Lanka, in keeping with its consistent policy of continued engagement with the Human Rights Council, wished to respond to the current Report of the High Commissioner and would engage in a constructive discussion with this august assembly today, with the sincere hope that this Council would recognize the realities on the ground.
Over 200,000 security forces personnel to get ‘Virusara’ privilege cards
The Defence Ministry has decided to issue ‘Virusara Privilege Cards’ (VPCs) to over 200,000 security forces personnel, including families of fallen war heroes and disabled soldiers to provide them discounts from public and private sector institutions.
Sri Lanka is committed to achieve goals set on accountability and human rights - Minister Gunawardena
The Government said although it has withdrawn from co-sponsorship of Resolution 40/1 on ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka’, Sri Lanka remains committed to achieving the goals set by the people of Sri Lanka on accountability and human rights, towards sustainable peace and reconciliation.
LTTE terrorism defeated militarily but few Tamil politicians still propagate its ideology – Defence Secretary
Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said although the Sri Lankan military had completely defeated LTTE terrorism militarily 10-years ago, the challenge of defeating its separatist ideology still remained as some Tamil politicians were attempting to propagate it in the minds of Tamil people.
Govt briefs UNHRC President on decision to withdraw from Resolution 40/1
Foreign Ministry Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha affirmed the Human Rights Council (HRC) President Ambassador Elisabeth Fisslberger on the Sri Lankan Government’s decision to withdraw from its co-sponsorship of resolution 40/1.
Turkey looks forward in sharing SL’s experiences in countering terrorism
Turkey looks forward in sharing Sri Lanka’s experiences in combating terrorism and enhancing intelligence sharing in a combined effort to combat violent fundamental extremism.
Govt. strongly objected US’s travel ban on Army Chief
The Government has conveyed Sri Lanka’s strong objections on the imposition of travel restrictions on Sri Lanka’s Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Lt. Gen.Shavendra Silva and immediate family, today.
Sri Lanka strongly objects US imposing travel ban on Army Chief
While strongly objecting to the imposition of travel restrictions on Army Commander Lt. Gen. Silva and his immediate family by the US, the Government has requested the US to verify the authenticity of the sources of information and to review its decision.
Timelines evolved externally would hinder process of reconciliation - Sri Lanka’s envoy tell the UN Security Council
The Government has informed the UN that ‘timelines evolved externally in achieving stated objectives would only seek to hinder the process of reconciliation since they would be bereft of ground realities’.
SL has an important role to play in maintaining peace and stability in the region- Pakistani Air Force Chief
Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan said Sri Lanka had an important role to play in maintaining peace and stability in the region and pledged to support strengthening intelligence sharing.
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Pakistan pledges fullest support to intelligence sharing with SL
Pakistan assured its fullest support to Sri Lanka to combat drug trafficking, terrorism and extremist activities through intelligence sharing.
Defence Ministry to regularize private security agencies
The Defence Ministry will regularize private security services by introducing minimum wage for security guards, registration of new security firms and renewal of licenses.
President Rajapaksa denies saying 20,000 missing are dead
The President's Office has denied media reports quoting President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as saying that 20,000 listed as missing are dead, today.
Defence Ministry to upgrade Police Hospital with dialysis facilities
Fulfilling a long-felt need, the Defence Ministry will provide extra dialysis facilities, adequate medical and minor staff to the Police Hospital at Narahenpita.
Popularising cadetting vital to produce disciplined citizens - Defence Secretary
Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said popularising cadetting in schools could produce disciplined and law abiding citizens.
Govt. to bring new laws to combat emerging cyber crimes
The Defence Ministry is to introduce new laws to stop publishing defamatory posts and comments on social media and also a mechanism for immediate removal of ethnically and religiously sensitive posts that spread hatred via social media networks.
India pledges US $ 50 m support to SL to buy military equipment
India has pledged US$ 50m credit line to Sri Lanka to purchase military equipment when India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, yesterday.
Defend your children from drug abuse - Defence Secretary
Defence Secretary Maj.Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne requested the parents to be more vigilant about their children to protect them from drug menace, which was given a high priority to curb with the assistance of specially formed law enforcement units.
President emphasized the need to prevent brain drain to achieve rapid development
The President made these remarks addressing the Convocation of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University held at the BMICH, today (10)
Norwegian Ambassador meets Defence Secretary
The Ambassador of Norway Trine Jøranli Eskedal made a call on the Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne today (08 January).
Hayleys Group donates 10,000 pairs of rubber gloves to Environmental Police
Supporting the Government's initiative to conserve environment Dipped Products PLC (DPPLC), which is functioning under the Hayleys Group, handed over a stock of rubber gloves to the Police Environmental Protection Division (PEPD) at a function held at the Defence Ministry, today.
Defence Secretary reviews work of CSD branch at Kollupitiya
Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne today (07) made an inspection visit to the Defence Ministry’s Civil Security and Development (CSD) branch at Kollupitiya in Colombo 3.
Govt. gives top priority to restore national security – Prime Minister Rajapaksa
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said the government had given top priority to restore national security to ensure investor confidence and also safety for tourists.
Bringing disaster management under Defence Ministry’s purview, forms a quick disaster response strategy in a calamity - Defence Secretary Maj.Gen. Gunaratne
Defence Secretary Maj.Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne emphasising the urgent need for a holistic precautionary approach for disaster management, said bringing disaster management stake holders within the purview of Defence Ministry would facilitate the coordination and cohesiveness at all levels.