Archives
High Commissioner of Ghana Calls on Defence Secretary
High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana to India, concurrently accredited to Sri Lanka, Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso, paid a courtesy call on Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Ministry of Defence on 25 August.
Deputy Minister Visits Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Limited
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) visited Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Limited (RALL) today (25 August) as part of his ongoing engagements with institutions under the Ministry of Defence.
Tripartite MoU Signed to Expand Free Cardiothoracic Surgery Services at KDU Hospital
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today (25 August) between the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Mass Media and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) to facilitate the expansion of free cardiothoracic surgery services by utilising the facilities of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) Teaching Hospital.
Defence Secretary Attends 81st National Day Reception of Vietnam
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) attended the 81st National Day reception of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, held at the Hilton Colombo on 24 August 2026.
Deputy Minister Presides over Public Day Program in Kalutara
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), chaired a Public Day program held at Hotel Panorama in Kalutara on Sunday (23 Aug). The initiative served as an open forum, offering members of the veteran community and the wider public the opportunity to directly raise grievances, submit requests, and seek clarifications from the Deputy Minister on matters of concern.
Defence Secretary Attends Reception Hosted by Indian High Commissioner
Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), attended a reception hosted by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Santosh Jha, at the Indian House in Colombo last evening (20 August), in honour of the Indian and Sri Lankan men’s cricket teams participating in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship series.
President Chairs Discussion on Releasing Lands in the Northern and Eastern Provinces
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed the security forces to expedite the release and return of lands in the Northern and Eastern Provinces that were taken over during the conflict and have now been identified as no longer required for security purposes.
Defence Secretary Reviews Preparedness for Potential El Niño Impacts
The Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), chaired a meeting at the Ministry of Defence on 20 August to assess the potential impacts of El Niño on Sri Lanka and review measures to enhance preparedness and response to possible weather-related challenges.
19th KDU International Research Conference Commences
The 19th International Research Conference (IRC) of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) commenced today (20 August) at KDU, with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya gracing the inaugural session as the Chief Guest.
Deputy Minister of Defence Chairs Discussion on Streamlining Defence Research and Development
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) chaired a discussion on streamlining Research and Development (R&D) within the Tri Forces in coordination with the Centre for Defence Research and Development (CDRD) at his office on Monday (17 Aug).
“Aegis Lexicon 2026” Defence Cyber Exposition Held at Ministry of Defence
The annual “Aegis Lexicon 2026” Defence Cyber Exposition, organised by the Defence Cyber Command (DCC) of the Ministry of Defence, was held on 19 August at the Ministry of Defence, with the participation of Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) as the Chief Guest. Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) was also present at the occasion.
Deputy Chief of Staff of the SLAF Appointed
Air Vice Marshal Padman De Costa USP ndc MBA in HRM MHRM was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force, with effect from today (18 August 2026). The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, officially handed over the letter of appointment to Air Vice Marshal Padman De Costa at the Air Force Headquarters today and conveyed his best wishes to the newly appointed Deputy Chief of Staff.
Deputy Minister of Defence Reviews Navy’s Security and Operational Readiness
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), paid an official visit to the Sri Lanka Navy Headquarters at Defence Headquarters Complex (DHQC) on 18 August.
Defence Secretary Chairs Meeting to Discuss on Disaster Preparedness Project with WFP
The Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) chaired a meeting with representatives of the World Food Programme (WFP) and Disaster Management officials today (17 August) at the Ministry of Defence on the proposed Anticipatory Action, Emergency Preparedness and Response Project.
Outgoing Egyptian Ambassador Pays Farewell Call on Defence Secretary
The outgoing ambassador of Egypt to Sri Lanka, H.E. Adel Ibrahim, paid a farewell call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (17 August).
Deputy Minister Chairs Public Day Programmes in Galle, Matara and Tangalle
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) chaired a series of Public Day programmes held in Galle, Matara and Tangalle over the weekend, providing members of the public, serving military personnel, veterans and their families with an opportunity to present their concerns and seek assistance in resolving matters related to their welfare.
2027 Pre-Budget Discussion on Defence Ministry Held Under President’s Patronage
President instructs establishment of a single national centre by integrating all research and development centres of the defence sector
Deputy Minister of Defence Graces Opening Ceremony of 14th “Defence Services” Games 2026-2027
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), graced the opening ceremony of the 14th Defence Services Games 2026–2027 as the Chief Guest today (14 August) at the Wave N’ Lake Hall of the Sri Lanka Navy, Welisara.
Indian High Commissioner Calls on Defence Secretary
The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Santosh Jha, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence on 14 August.
Deputy Minister of Defence Visits Army Hospital
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) paid an official visit to the Army Hospital, Colombo, today (14 Aug), to review its healthcare services, facilities and ongoing measures aimed at enhancing patient care.
Deputy Minister and Defence Secretary Attend Book Launching Ceremony
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) attended the launch of two books authored by Dr. Roshanie Dissanayake, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, at the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA) on 13 August.
Deputy Minister of Defence Chairs Public Day Programme in Colombo
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) chaired a Public Day Programme at his office in Colombo today (12 August), providing an opportunity for members of the veteran community, their families, and members of the public to directly present their concerns and seek assistance on matters pertaining to their welfare.
Deputy Minister of Defence Graces 12th General Deshamanya Denis Perera Oration at KDU
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) graced the 12th General Deshamanya Dennis Perera Memorial Oration, held at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) on 11 August.
“Attama” Programme Commences Under Clean Sri Lanka Initiative
The “Attama” programme, conducted under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative to promote community participation and collective action towards creating cleaner, more orderly and environmentally friendly communities, commenced today (08 Aug).
Deputy Minister of Defence Co Chairs Progress Review Meeting on Marine and Coastal Resource Protection
A progress review meeting on the protection of Sri Lanka's marine and coastal resources was held on 05 August at the Ministry of Environment to assess ongoing measures aimed at preventing environmental pollution and strengthening the protection of the country's fishery harbours and surrounding islands.