Deputy Minister of Defence graces 54th Bangladesh Armed Forces Day Ceremony
November 25, 2025Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) graced the 54th Bangladesh Armed Forces Day ceremony as the Chief Guest at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo last evening (24 November).
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) was present as the guest of honour.
The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka, H.E. Andalib Elias, received the Deputy Minister on his arrival at the venue. Defence Advisor at the Bangladesh High Commission, Commodore M. Moniruzzaman, made the welcome address.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister commemorated the historic beginnings of the Bangladesh Armed Forces in 1971, paying tribute to the sacrifices that shaped the nation and the enduring legacy of its War of Liberation. He highlighted the strong friendship between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, built on shared history, cultural affinity, and a common vision for regional stability. He noted that defence ties continue to grow through professional exchanges, training programmes, and high-level visits, fostering genuine comradeship and effective cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces.
He further emphasised the importance of enhanced collaboration in addressing emerging challenges, such as maritime security threats, cyber vulnerabilities, climate-related disasters. Moreover transnational crimes, including drug trafficking and also the Sri Lanka's strategic role in the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. Beyond the defence, he highlighted significant potential for economic cooperation in areas such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, and digital services.
The High Commissioner highlighted the long standing friendly bilateral ties between the two nations and said that he looks forward to enhancing defence cooperation in the future.
The High Commissioner presented a memento to the Deputy Minister to mark the occasion.
Members of the diplomatic corps, Army and Navy Commanders, Air Force Chief of Staff, Defence Ministry officials, senior tri forces officers, Bangladesh High Commission officials and many distinguished guests were present at the event.
