Ministerial Consultative Committee on Defence Meets Under the
patronage of the President
January 08, 2026
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Defence of the 10th Parliament convened under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (07).
During the meeting, progress on matters discussed at previous sessions was reviewed. It was noted that positive steps have been taken to address several proposals submitted by various parties, particularly concerning the release of land in the Northern Province, the reopening of roads and the continuation of school activities. Additionally, the discussion also focused on the remaining challenges in carrying out these activities and the steps required to address them.
Extensive discussions were held on measures taken to ensure public access to the “Sandy Bay” beach in the Manayaweli area of Trincomalee without obstruction and on initiatives to resolve issues faced by the fishing community.
Special attention was also given to the issue of coastal erosion affecting lands in the vicinity of the Oluvil Harbour. The President stated that the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has been instructed to conduct a new feasibility study, with the assistance of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), to assess viable options for the effective utilisation of the harbour.
Additionally, discussions focused on the welfare of members of the security forces, the deployement of additional personnel to United Nations Peacekeeping Mission and urgent measures to strengthen the helicopter fleet.
Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Members of Parliament, along with the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Rted) and senior officials of the defence sector, were present at the meeting.
Courtesy - President's Media Division