Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 30 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release: Today, Sri Lanka joins the global community in observing the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. This day reminds us that human trafficking is not a distant crime. It can occur across borders, within our communities, through workplaces, online platforms, and even behind what appear to be legitimate opportunities. This year's theme, "Trapped Behind the Scam," highlights an alarming...
Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 30 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release: Assistant Secretary for North and South Asia of the Australian Department of Defence, Ms. Karen Radford, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (30 July). She was accompanied by the Defence Adviser of the Australian High Commission in Colombo, Colonel Amanda Johnston and Captain Ben Fennell. During the...
Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 30 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release: The Ministry of Defence, through the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF), marked the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons by organizing the National Conference on "Combatting and Addressing Human Trafficking in Sri Lanka" at the Marriott Hotel, Colombo, today (30 July). The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Chairman of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task F...
Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 29 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release: Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) chaired a meeting with explosive licensees 28 Jul at the Ministry of Defence premises to discuss key issues affecting the explosives sector and identify practical solutions to address existing challenges and improve regulatory and operational efficiency. During the discussion, explosive licensees presented the challenges they ...
Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 29 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release: Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) visited the Doppler Weather Radar Network project site in Puttalam today (29 Jul) to review the progress of the Japanese grant-funded project, which is expected to significantly strengthen Sri Lanka's weather forecasting and early warning capabilities. Upon arrival at the project site, the Defence Secretary was warmly received...
Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 28 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release: A special discussion on strengthening the regulatory framework governing private security firms and amending the relevant legislation was held on 28 July at the Ministry of Defence. The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) also attended the meeting. The discuss...
Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 28 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release: The Navy rolled out a community support programme from 10 to 24 July 2026 to assist devotees taking part in the annual foot pilgrimage to the historic Kataragama Devalaya. The initiative, organised under the supervision of the Southern and Southeastern Naval Commands, aimed to ensure the safety and welfare of pilgrims travelling from the Northern and Eastern Provinces. As part of the in...
Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 28 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release: The Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, paid farewell calls on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at their respective offices recently, ahead of the completion of his tenure as the 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army. During the separate meetings ...
Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 27 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release: The Ministry of Defence marked the commencement of National Integrity Week by administering the National Integrity Pledge, joining the island-wide programme launched under the theme, "A Culture of Integrity - A Clean Sri Lanka," today (27 Jul). The event, held at the Ministry of Defence premises, was attended by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and t...
Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 27 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release: In line with the National Integrity Initiative, the Internal Affairs Unit of the Ministry of Defence conducted an awareness programme for Ministry staff today (27 Jul) at the Ministry of Defence premises. The programme was conducted by Mrs. H.H.N.P. Hewarathna, Senior Assistant Secretary (Parliament Affairs and Policy) and Head of the Internal Affairs Unit, with the objective of enhancin...