Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne has certified the Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Bill, paving the way for the legislation to come into force as the Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Act, No. 22 of 2026.

According to a statement issued by Parliament, the Speaker endorsed the Bill on September 22 after it completed the legislative process in Parliament.

The Bill was first presented to Parliament on August 4, 2026 and its Second Reading debate was held on September 9. It was subsequently passed without a vote.

The legislation was introduced to repeal the Chief of Defence Staff Act, No. 35 of 2009, which established the office of the Chief of Defence Staff.

The 2009 Act had created the position to carry out duties including the coordination of activities between the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence in line with the security and administrative requirements of the time.

With the repeal of the 2009 law, the office of the Chief of Defence Staff will also cease to exist.

Parliament said that, upon the Act coming into operation, all movable and immovable property belonging to the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff will be transferred to the Ministry assigned the subject of Defence.

Accordingly, the Bill has now become law as the Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Act, No. 22 of 2026. (Newswire)

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