The High-Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC), appointed to ensure the effective distribution of foreign relief supplies among the disaster-affected population, convened for its sixth session at the Disaster Management Centre on  Wednesday (31 Dec). 

According to a Defence Ministry statement, during the meeting, media personnel were briefed on the foreign humanitarian assistance received as well as the services rendered by foreign relief teams involved in disaster response efforts.

It was revealed that Sri Lanka has received Humanitarian assistance from 22 foreign countries and the World Food Programme (WFP) to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

The President established the HL-FRAC  Committee to ensure the proper management, coordination, and effective distribution of foreign relief supplies among the affected population. The Committee, chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), has convened on several occasions and taken decisive measures to ensure complete transparency and maximum efficiency throughout the relief operations. 

Accordingly, all foreign assistance arriving in the country through airports and seaports is being securely and systematically stored at the Orugodawatta warehouse complex. The mechanism to distribute these supplies in a timely and efficient manner to disaster-affected communities across the island has now been further strengthened through the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC).

During the sixth session of the Committee, it was revealed that relief assistance received includes essential food items, medicines, and a range of key technical equipment used for disaster management operations. 

The international community has also provided specialized civil engineering equipment, including bridge restoration resources, along with vehicles required for transportation and logistics. In addition, special tents and protective shelters have been supplied to provide safe temporary accommodation for those who have lost their homes. Household items, clothing, and other supplies essential for helping affected people resume their daily lives have also been received.

Country-wise received relief support:

The Defence Ministry statement further said that the Government has taken all necessary measures to ensure that all humanitarian assistance is distributed swiftly to disaster-affected communities with the highest level of transparency. Information on the distribution process is reported every three days to the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, and the updated information released by these institutions is made available to the media.

The distribution of humanitarian aid from the Orugodawatta warehouse complex has been further streamlined through District Secretariats, based on requests submitted by Divisional Secretaries. Storage capacity at the complex has been expanded, security strengthened, and all required support has been provided to the staff to ensure smooth operations. The Deputy Minister of Defence also emphasized that necessary steps will be taken to conduct a formal audit of the entire distribution process in the future.

Furthermore, from the very outset of the disaster, several countries came forward to provide human resource assistance to Sri Lanka. Accordingly, relief teams comprising 89 specialists from seven (07) countries are currently contributing actively to relief operations in the country. These teams have worked in close coordination with local relief agencies, engaging in search and rescue operations, providing rapid medical assistance to affected persons, and supporting emergency construction activities.

In addition, utilizing modern technologies, these teams have carried out a range of essential services, including monitoring disaster situations, mapping affected areas, and providing water purification services to ensure access to safe drinking water. Some of the relief teams, upon the successful completion of their mission, have now left the country.

Country-wise received service support:

The Deputy Minister of Defence, on behalf of the President and the entire Sri Lankan nation, expressed his gratitude and sincere appreciation to all foreign countries and their people for their assistance to support Sri Lanka at a time of great need. 

He also appreciated the Sri Lankan expatriate community, who selflessly extended their support and made immense sacrifices for their motherland. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Defence has issued a statement announcing the extension for the renewal of firearms licenses of individuals and institutions for 2026.

Previously, issuance of firearm permits for individuals/institutions for the year 2026 was to be carried out until 31 December 2025.

Issuing a statement, the Defence Ministry said considering the prevailing national security situation, this period has been extended until 31 January 2026. 

After 31 January 2026, firearm permits will not be issued except under the provisions of Section 22 of the Firearms Ordinance, it added.

The Defence Ministry further said that the issuance of security company licences for the year 2026/2027, which was also to take place between 01 September 2025 and 31 December 2025, has been extended. 

According to the ministry, considering the prevailing national security situation, this period has been extended until 31 January 2026. 

Thereafter, issuance of licences will be subject to the recommendations of the relevant committees/authorities, it added. (Newswire)

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The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence has directed the activation of a special Operations Room at the Army Headquarters to ensure public safety and security during the ongoing festive season.

According to the Defence Ministry, the Operations Room will remain functional until the conclusion of the current festive period and will serve as a central coordination hub to facilitate close cooperation among the tri-forces and the Sri Lanka Police. 

This enhanced coordination mechanism is aimed at ensuring a rapid and effective response to any security or emergency situations that may arise during this time.

The initiative is designed to strengthen real-time information sharing, enable timely decision-making, and enhance operational readiness across all security stakeholders. 

Through this mechanism, authorities will be better positioned to safeguard lives and protect public and private property throughout the festive season.

The Ministry of Defence reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for the public, enabling citizens to celebrate the festive season peacefully and without disruption. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Defence reports that more than 3,500 members of the Sri Lankan armed forces have been taken into custody for leaving service without proper authorization.

According to the ministry,  3,504 tri-forces personnel who had been absent without leave were arrested during operations carried out between 22 February and 03 August.

Among those detained are 2,937 from the Army, 289 Navy personnel, and 278 members of the Air Force.

The Defence Ministry also noted that a grace period was declared last year, allowing unauthorized personnel to formally return to duty. 

Those who failed to report back during this period were subject to the arrest operations that commenced on 22 February this year. (Newswire)

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The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was in possession of a significant number of firearms issued for personal security.

Responding to queries by reporters if Yoshitha Rajapaksa was in possession of 07 to 08 firearms, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha confirmed it, saying that the weapons have been taken into custody by the authorities.

He further said that at present, Yoshitha Rajapaksa was only in possession of two firearms and that the former President’s son has been informed to return the weapons. 

Providing details on the review conducted on firearms for personal security, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha said the government had commenced reviewing the firearms.

As such, a total of 1697 licenced weapons has been issued to 1550 persons, while only 1368 firearms have been returned to the government.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence said that 182 firearms had not been returned to the authorities. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Defence said that military personnel previously assigned to the security of former presidents will be withdrawn effective today (Dec. 23).

The decision has been communicated to the heads of the tri-forces, and moving forward, only police officers will handle the security of former presidents, the Defence Minsitry said.

The development comes after the government decided to review the security arrangements of former presidents, citing the expenditure involved. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says simply reinforcing institutional frameworks is insufficient for effective disaster management and stresses the need to establish mechanisms to deliver practical solutions at the grassroots level.  

President Dissanayake highlighted the importance of empowering local government institutions to prevent disasters in vulnerable areas and develop innovative solutions. 

The President noted that the country’s disaster management laws were formulated after considerable study and that it is the responsibility of officials to implement them effectively. 

He assured his unwavering support for any official who upholds their duties with integrity and called on Government officials to propose enhancements to the legal framework if needed.   

Pointing out that disaster management imposes a significant financial burden on the government, President Dissanayake, however, said that by enforcing laws effectively, these costs can be reduced significantly.  

The President made the remarks while attending the event to mark the assumption of duties by the Deputy Defence Minister, Aruna Jayasekara today (Nov 25).

The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired), Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, and Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, among others. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Secretary of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) has urged Sri Lankans to refrain from seeking employment in Myanmar through illegal means.

According to a Defence Ministry statement, the Secretary of Defence said the government strongly advises citizens to refrain from seeking employment in Myanmar through illegal foreign employment agents or persons and institutions involved in human trafficking. 

Alarming reports have revealed that a group of Sri Lankans who have illegally left for work in Myanmar are being forcibly detained for illegal activities in a camp in the cybercrime area operated by terrorist groups in Myanmar.

Despite prior warnings by the government, it has been revealed that 89 Sri Lankans have illegally travelled to Myanmar for employment. Through the dedicated efforts of officials with the assistance of the government of Myanmar, 40 Sri Lankans have been released from captivity, he said.

The Secretary of Defence revealed, however, reports state that 54 Sri Lankans remain trapped in the cybercrime area and that the Sri Lankan government, in cooperation with the Myanmar government, is making every effort to secure the release of those still held captive. 

General Kamal Gunaratne further said that despite prior warnings and ongoing efforts, it is learnt that certain individuals continue to travel to Myanmar for employment through illegal means.

Considering the status quo, the Secretary of Defence requested the public to refrain from seeking employment in Myanmar. 

He urged those having any information regarding individuals involved in human trafficking activities to contact the Ministry of Defence or the Criminal Investigation Department to ensure the safety and security of all Sri Lankan citizens. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Defence has taken several measures to address key issues affecting Sri Lanka, such as human trafficking to Myanmar and the deployment of war veterans to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. 

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) said the National Task Force Against Human Trafficking, which operates under his chairmanship, has taken all necessary steps to combat human trafficking in Sri Lanka.

He further said it has also enabled the country to maintain the US State Department’s Tier 2 status for three consecutive years.

Following are some key updates given by the Secretary of Defence;

• Human trafficking to Myanmar-

Measures have been taken to address the issue of Sri Lankans being forcibly held in Myanmar and exploited in online scams. Our focus has been on rescuing these individuals. Consequently, we successfully rescued 40 individuals and brought them back to Sri Lanka. However, another group of people has travelled to this area through brokers in Dubai, and 54 more individuals remain to be rescued.

In this regard, I have discussed the matter with the Prime Minister and the National Defence Secretary of Myanmar. Diplomatic requests and appeals were made, both officially and as a former military officer, to secure their release. The Defence Secretary of Myanmar has informed me that the Prime Minister has advised to intervene and take all necessary steps to address this issue.

• Deployment of war veterans to Russia- Ukraine war-

There is a concern regarding former military personnel caught in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. We are collaborating with the Ministry of Defence of Russia on this matter. We have also requested the Russian Embassy to notify the Ministry of Defence if any ex-military personnel have applied for tourist visas to Russia.

• Deployment to Red Sea mission –

Given the current situation in the Red Sea, there is now an opportunity to deploy 550 Sea Marshals, and recruitment for these positions is currently underway.

• Resumption of peacekeeping missions-

The United Nations has made the necessary arrangements to resume the peacekeeping missions that had been suspended. So far, a contingent of 301 troops has been deployed for peacekeeping duties in Lebanon, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic.

• Drug operations-

The three armed forces, including the Navy, have been pivotal in combating the drug menace, through the arrest of drug traffickers and the seizure of narcotics.

In 2023 alone, the tri-forces operations resulted in the seizure of nearly 560 kg of heroin, 3350 kg of cannabis, 5220 kg of Kerala cannabis, 60 kg of crystal methamphetamine, 151,000 drug capsules, and 6650 litres of illicit liquor. 

By July 2024, approximately 270 kg of heroin, 3640 kg of cannabis, 12,720 kg of Kerala cannabis, 150 kg of crystal methamphetamine, 43,600 drug capsules, and 5000 litres of illicit liquor had been seized. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence has emphasized the stringent enforcement of the law against individuals involved in human trafficking, regardless of their social status and standing. 

State Minister for Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon announced that severe penalties would be imposed on those found guilty.

Additionally, the State Minister revealed that a group of suspects, including a retired senior military officer, has been arrested under suspicion of participating in human trafficking. 

“Allegedly, they employed retired army personnel as soldiers in the Russian-Ukraine war. Legal proceedings have commenced against them,” the State Minister said. 

He further said that the government has paid special attention to retired Sri Lankan armed forces personnel involved in the Russian-Ukraine war. 

“In the recent Security Council meeting, President Ranil Wickremesinghe and other security chiefs were briefed on this matter. It is crucial to highlight that severe penalties will be imposed on those found guilty, regardless of their social status and standing.

“Furthermore, approximately 288 complaints have been lodged regarding this issue. Several persons, including a retired senior military officer, have been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, and legal action has been initiated against them.

“They have been promoting human trafficking through social media campaigns, attracting victims with promises of high salaries and other privileges. As a result, individuals have fallen prey to this trafficking in successive waves,” he said. 

Urging the public to remain vigilant against such manipulative tactics, State Minister Tennakoon requested the public to contact 0112 401 146 if they possess any information about human trafficking.

State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon made these remarks while addressing a media briefing at the Presidential Media Centre today (May 15).

The State Minister also revealed the various decisions taken by the Defence Ministry regarding the Military. 

He said the Defence Ministry has decided to extend salaries and allowances to soldiers who died in the war or suffered a total disability while serving in the Civil Security Department (CSD) beyond the age of 55. 

“Under the leadership of the President, the government has addressed the challenges of individuals facing the termination of salaries or pensions after reaching 55 years of age.

“Consequently, this benefit, previously limited to the armed forces, will now be extended to CSD officers. The respective cabinet paper will be submitted for approval in the near future,” the State Minister said. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has announced the conclusion of the general amnesty period for individuals who departed the forces without following legal procedures. 

“The general amnesty period will end on 20th May. At present, around 15,000 individuals are eligible for this amnesty. Notably, in March 2024, a total of 357 individuals left the forces illegally. Additionally, the number of individuals who illegally left and subsequently returned to service stands at 799. It is worth noting that this constitutes an exclusive situation,” he said.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has also established a special committee, led by the President’s Secretary, dedicated to granting concessions and expediting the allocation of land for war heroes. 

“The Ministry of Lands is also actively involved in these efforts, which run parallel with the Urumaya program. It is worth noting that this initiative represents a distinctive measure aimed at enhancing the well-being of war heroes,” the State Minister added. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a number of its retired war veterans have died or sustained injuries after being sent to the Russian-Ukrainian war front as members of mercenary groups.

The Ministry of Defence said several retired war veterans had been caught in a scheme by some illegal foreign job agents and had been sent to the Russian-Ukrainian war front as members of mercenary groups.

Issuing a statement, the Defence Ministry said it has also been revealed that a significant number of war veterans, who had immensely contributed to Sri Lanka’s 30-year civil war, have died and sustained injuries on the battlefield. 

“It is regrettable that such war veterans who have served and retired with honour in the armed forces of Sri Lanka are acting as mercenaries in foreign countries,” it said.

These war veterans had left for the Russian-Ukrainian war front as mercenaries after being duped by these human traffickers who had promised them an opportunity to join the foreign army, handsome salaries, citizenship in those countries and other benefits.

However, neither the serving nor the injured had received any salaries or benefits and these traffickers have not even given any sort of compensation to the families of those injured or the dead. Further, they have failed to provide any information on the whereabouts of those war veterans to their families as well, it said. 

The Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have taken steps to obtain factual information about the war veterans and casualties at the Russian-Ukrainian war front. 

The Defence Ministry has made a special request to Sri Lankan war veterans not to be caught in such illegal schemes and put their lives at risk by joining foreign mercenary groups. (Newswire)

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The Government recently appointed a committee to review Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between foreign and local institutes, to check compliance with national interest, the Ministry of Defence said on Monday (Feb 12). 

According to a Defence Ministry statement, State Minister for Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said that the move was in response to growing concerns over the adequacy of existing MoUs between foreign and local institutes.

“Sri Lanka has appointed a high-profile committee tasked with conducting a comprehensive review. The primary goal is to ensure that these agreements align with the best interests of the nation. The committee comprises representatives from key government bodies, including the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant departments. This group will bring their diverse expertise to scrutinise and enhance the existing MoUs. We plan to review all MoUs,” Minister Tennakoon said. 

Concerns regarding the impact of several agreements inked between local state institutions, academic bodies, and foreign parties on Sri Lanka’s national interest surfaced following the multiple visits by a Chinese Scientific Research vessel to Sri Lanka over the last two years. The visits caused diplomatic tensions between Sri Lanka and key regional and extra-regional countries and led to Sri Lanka declaring a one-year (2024) moratorium on all foreign scientific research vessels surveying Sri Lankan waters. 

Responding to a query on what the committee is empowered to do, State Minister Tennakoon said: “The committee’s core responsibilities include a thorough examination of all existing MoUs, followed by the formulation of recommendations aimed at improving these agreements. The specific tasks assigned to the committee encompass various aspects related to bilateral cooperation and legal frameworks. MoUs between local and foreign institutes aim to foster mutually beneficial relationships through collaboration. However, a critical review is needed to ensure these agreements are optimised. Key areas to evaluate include bilateral mutual benefits, legal and functional obligations, exchange conditions, and unique issues specific to the involved institutes. The MoUs should deliver reciprocal advantages economically, technologically, and strategically for both parties. Compliance with laws, clarity of provisions, and completeness of outlined obligations require examination. Fairness, efficiency and enforceability of resource and knowledge exchange mechanisms need assessment.” (NewsWire)

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A Gazette notification has been issued announcing the removal of two Sri Lankans from the country’s terror watch list.

Niklapillai Antony Emil Lakshmi Kanthan alias ‘Ramesh’ and Murugesu Sri Shanmugaraja, were blacklisted in February 2014, with the Interpol having issued a Red Notice against Ramesh in 2010. 

They were blacklisted under the regulations of the United Nations’ list of designated persons for aiding and abetting terror activities.

Ramesh and Murugesu have been removed from the blacklist via a Gazette issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) dated October 23, 2023. (NewsWire)

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The renewal of firearms licences of individuals/ institutions for the year 2024 will be carried out from October to December 2023, the Ministry of Defence announced today.

According to a Ministry statement, the renewal of firearms licences of individuals/ institutions for the year 2024 will be conducted from October 01 to December 31, 2023. 

The Defence Ministry stated that firearm licence renewal for 2024 will not be carried out after December 31. 

Registration renewal of Private Security Firms for the year 2024/2025 will also be carried out from October 01 to December 31, 2023.

The defence Ministry stated that any renewals made after the deadline will be subjected to a fine or legal action.

Required details can be downloaded from the Defence Ministry’s website www.defence.lk.  

The Ministry warned that the possession of a firearm without a valid licence is a punishable offence under provisions of Section 22 of the Firearms Ordinance. (NewsWire)

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The Ministry of Defence has warned it will not hesitate to strictly enforce the law against persons or organized groups attempting to stir communal issues or work with similar motives.

Addressing the media in Colombo, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon stated that there are obvious signs that another crisis is being triggered in the country once again.

He pointed out that such issues are being created especially at a crucial time when the country is on a path of recovery from a severe economic crisis.

The State Minister of Defence also raised concerns about the various elements with vested interests eyeing to disrupt the prevailing peaceful situation by igniting religious disputes in the country. 

State Minister Tennakoon further emphasized the importance of maintaining religious stability for a healthy society.

“If a person or an organized group is trying to whip up communal sentiments or work with a similar motive, we will not hesitate to strictly enforce the law in accordance with Chapter 9 of the Constitution and Penal Code,” he added. (NewsWire)

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The government has decided to revise agricultural land area to five (05) acres for the issuance of firearm permits for crop protection purposes, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon stated.

According to a Defence Ministry statement, State Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon stated that the existing laws have been amended to allow the use of firearms for crop protection purposes. 

Providing further clarification, the State Minister said that this timely decision was taken as a matter of urgency since crops in large amounts are destroyed within a year due to various wild animals. 

State Minister Tennakoon further said that the government is working on diverse programs to promote agriculture in the country, strengthen the agricultural economy, and food security in the country. 

“We are working tirelessly to empower the farmers to produce the things required for consumption within the country and to develop agriculture,” he revealed. 

The State Minister added that more details on the use of firearms for crop protection activities can be obtained from the respective District Secretariats. (NewsWire)  

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The Ministry of Defence has refuted reports claiming that information being shared via various social media platforms and telephone conversations are being monitored. 

Reports have been circulated claiming that telephone conversations are being recorded and messages via social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter are being monitored by the Defence Ministry.

Issuing a statement, the Defence Ministry stated that news circulating on social media in this regard is completely false. (NewsWire)

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The Ministry of Defence has declared a grace period for persons who possess guns without a license to hand over the firearms to the Police.

The grace period has been declared from 06th February 2023 to 15th February 2023 as per the government gazette No. 2318/02 issued on 06th February 2023.

According to the Defence Ministry, all guns that are being kept without a license should be surrendered to the nearest Police Station during the said grace period.

“No prosecution will be initiated against persons who surrender such unlicensed guns during the period. At the termination of the period, an islandwide operation will be conducted by the Police to apprehend persons who possess guns without licenses,” the ministry added.

The government has urged all those in possession of guns without a license to make use of this grace period to avoid arrest and prosecution.

Further inquiries in this regard can be made from the Additional Secretary (Civil Defence and Development) D.M. Saman Dissanayake at the Ministry of Defense via 011-2335792. (NewsWire)

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