The government has reached an agreement to provide a certain part of the number of foreign employment opportunities received from foreign countries to retired military personnel and family members of deceased war military personnel of Sri Lanka. 

According to a Defence Ministry statement, the programme of providing foreign employment to retired armed forces members and war hero family members commenced on State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon’s initiative.

The Defence Ministry states this foreign employment programme was facilitated after successful discussions State Minister Tennakoon had with Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara.   

The Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment has expressed willingness to provide a certain part of the amount of foreign employment opportunities received by the Government from foreign countries to retired military personnel and family members of deceased war military personnel. 

The representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment had said that as the initial phase of this, a certain amount of construction sector job opportunities will be provided in Israel.

Arrangements are being made to provide loan facilities to expatriates at concessional interest rates through state banks and 67 personnel from the Army have been identified to be sent for these jobs. 

Further, instructions have been given to Navy and Air Force authorities to call for nominations from prospective personnel. 

It was also informed that retired tri-forces members under the age of 44 years will be selected and they will have to undergo a brief training through the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment and also face an examination conducted by them.

The measures taken as per the agreement were outlined during a meeting to educate Tri Forces personnel on the foreign employment programme that was held under the patronage of State Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon on Tuesday (June 04). (Newswire)

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The government has decided to provide financial assistance to help people clean their flood-hit houses.

State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said the government will provide Rs.10,000 per family for this purpose.

Several areas in Sri Lanka are inundated due to the adverse weather conditions experienced in the country.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), a red alert for major floods has been issued to the Millakanda area due to the Kalu Ganga.

Amber alerts for minor floods have been issued to the Putupaula area due to the Kalu Ganga, the Baddegama area due to Gin Ganga, and the Thalgahagoda area due to Nilwala Ganga. 

Meanwhile, yellow alerts have been issued to the Ellagawa area due to the Kalu Ganga and the Panadugama area due to the Nilwala Ganga. 

As per the DMC report issued this afternoon, the water levels in some areas are receding and most other areas have returned to normal. (Newswire)

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The death toll due to the prevalent inclement weather conditions experienced in Sri Lanka has increased to 12, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon told the media today.

Providing an update on the current situation in Sri Lanka, he said that five of the deaths were reported in Ratnapura, four in Matara and 03 deaths in Avissawella. 

Stating five persons are reported missing as of today, State Minister Tennakoon added that 87,309 persons have been affected due to the adverse weather conditions. 

The State Minister said that the tri-forces and Police are deployed to assist the people facing disaster situations and in distress. (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 is currently in talks with India to set up a small arms manufacturing unit, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said. 

State Minister Tennakoon told the media on Wednesday that Sri Lanka was in the process of discussing a joint venture on the military and defence industry with India. 

Acknowledging that the Sri Lankan Military has the expertise for manufacturing weapons, he said Sri Lanka must look into entering the manufacturing industry.

“We are already doing it, but currently at a small scale.  We are in touch with our Indian counterparts. We can also do wonders with their help. Discussions in this regard are ongoing,” he said. 

State Minister Tennakoon also clarified that Sri Lanka was not trying to purchase any armoury from India at the moment.

“India and Sri Lanka military-to-military connectivity is good and at a high level. India’s manufacturing arm has boomed during the last two decades. It is a model Sri Lanka has to look into, as we can learn a lot from it,” he further said. 

State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon made the remarks in response to questions raised on his participation in the seminar held on Defence Cooperation to promote Indian Made Defence equipment and explore avenues for collaboration in defence production in Colombo in April. 

Organized by the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, the seminar was held to identify it as another platform to explore ways of extending India’s increasing capabilities in the defence sector to Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) and the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) have been instructed to submit a comprehensive report on the possibility of landslides in the Karandagolla area near the Ella-Wellawaya road.

The directive was issued by State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon after landslide warnings were issued to the Karandagolla area on April 21, 2024.

A team consisting of experts and the Director Generals of the NBRO and DMC are set to conduct a field study to monitor the risks of landslides in the area and to provide recommendations to prevent the damages that could be caused by landslides. (Newswire)

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State Minister for Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon has briefed the media on the measures taken by authorities to address the dry weather conditions experienced in the country and the increase in forest fires due to such weather conditions.

According to the Defence Ministry, addressing a press conference held this week (Mar 13), the State Minister said that the Met Department has forecasted that rainfall can be expected at the end of March and in April.

He further said that even if there was any decrease in the rainfall, the Disaster Management Centre has plans with the Coordination of its  District Offices and Divisional Secretariat Offices to address issues arising in this regard. 

The Minister went on to note that the armed forces are constantly ready to help prepare and provide alternative facilities for any inconvenience and calamity that may occur to the people.

With the prevailing dry weather, some people tend to hunt animals and it has been observed that certain sections of villagers set fires according to their myth that forest fires can bring rain. 

State Minister Tennakoon urged the people to refrain from such extremely destructive activities and requested everyone’s support to control this situation.

Requests have also been made to the Forest Conservation Department, the Wildlife Department and the Police to impose the maximum punishment within the existing legal framework on those involved in forest fires. 

The State Minister of Defence also announced that necessary steps are to be taken to amend the law considering the existing weaknesses and the need to update laws.

Pointing out that the Met Department has identified the North Central, North West, Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern provinces as the hotter provinces, he said education authorities have been informed to take care of the health and safety of school children due to the prevailing dry weather conditions.

Measures have been taken to identify areas with drinking water shortages in hot regions experiencing intense sunshine, with Disaster Relief Centres on standby to provide water supply to those areas and there is a pre-preparedness program for this purpose. 

The Minister emphasised that he would discuss with the Water Supply Board and work to provide drinking water.

Minister Tennakoon also informed the media on the recent increase in forest fires and the measures taken for the same while further educating them on the legal measures taken against those involved in such acts through the existing legal framework.

“Considering this situation, due to the dry weather in our country, the DMC, the Armed Forces, the Fire Brigade, the District Secretariats, the Wildlife Department and the Forest Conservation Department have made great efforts in the last few days to suppress the forest fires in the country,” he said.

Responding to a query made by a journalist, the minister said it has been identified that Sri Lanka is located close to the equator and receives abundant rainfall and high evaporation as well, adding that a formal study should be done in this regard.

He furthermore added that steps will be taken to raise awareness through the Ministry of Agriculture about the damage caused by forest fires, to use water from rivers, lakes, ponds, etc. for the agricultural industry in a useful and economical manner, the importance of using technology such as water drip method and the need to innovate the agricultural industry. (NewsWire)

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Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa has raised concerns over the government’s decision to deploy a Navy vessel for Rs. 250 million at the Red Sea to prevent attacks by Yemen-backed Houthi rebels on merchant vessels. 

Addressing the Parliament today (Jan 09), MP Premadasa questioned the benefits to Sri Lanka from engaging in operations against the Houthi rebels.

“What benefit does Sri Lanka stand to gain from spending such a large amount of money, especially at a juncture when unemployment is rife throughout the country, and small & micro-scale industrialists have all been subject to peril,” he questioned. 

MP Premadasa further queried if Sri Lanka has made any such agreements to sort out its debt to foreign nations, stating that, however, the authorities have decided to spend more money, instead of sorting out its debt or utilizing it for the benefit of the public who are facing great difficulties. 

Responding to the Opposition Leader, the State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said that the matter was not related to the USA or Israel, but the effects on Sri Lanka due to the attacks on merchant vessels by the Houthi rebels. 

The State Minister explained that if Sri Lanka’s merchant vessels avoided the Red Sea and used the South African coast, it would result in a severe increase in the prices of goods. 

Stating that this situation severely affects Sri Lanka’s economy, State Minister Tennakoon also clarified that a special cost is not being borne by the government for the deployment of the Navy vessel for this purpose. 

He added that similar deployment of vessels has been in practice as part of the drug, human, and weapons trafficking preventive operations in the international waters surrounding Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

Rs.250 Mn is being spent to dispatch a naval vessel to aid in operations against the #Houthis in the #RedSea. What benefit does #SriLanka stand to gain from spending such a large amount of money, especially at a juncture when unemployment is rife throughout the country & small &… pic.twitter.com/uzn8sSiccu

— Manthri.LK_Watch (@ManthriLK_Watch) January 9, 2024

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State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon has called for a collective effort to address the online radicalization of youth.

The State Minister emphasized that online youth radicalization in the South Asian region is a complex challenge that demands urgent attention.

He further said fostering education, collaboration, socio-economic development and leveraging technology responsibly, can help empower youth to resist extremist narratives and pave the way for a more peaceful and harmonious future in the region.

State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon made these remarks while attending a Youth De-Radicalization Workshop organized by Search for Common Ground with Meta (Facebook), Skype, Twitter and Messenger, in Colombo on Thursday (Dec 07).

Commenting further, the State Minister noted “Youth radicalization doesn’t occur in a vacuum. It’s often born out of a complex interplay of socio-economic disparities, political instability, marginalization and a lack of education or opportunities and addressing radicalization requires a multifaceted approach – one that goes beyond mere security measures”.

“Social media has evolved as a social nation and exerts enormous influence around the world. Today due to the online platforms, there is only a fine line between freedom of expression and social security and communication service providers have a great responsibility in the appropriate use of safety tools and measures,” he added.

Representatives of the Tech Industry and civil society organizations were present at the occasion. (NewsWire)

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Plans are underway to enable female officers to head Sri Lanka’s tri-forces, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said.

Addressing the Parliament on Monday (Dec 04), State Minister Tennakoon said in Sri Lankan history, women have played prominent roles.

He said, however, they are yet to receive equal status in many areas, including the tri-forces and Divisional Secretariats of key areas of religious prominence such as Anuradhapura and Kandy.

Stating that Sri Lanka needs to do more to ensure equal status for women, the State Minister said with the guidance of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the ministry was taking all measures to change this situation in the tri-forces.

State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon revealed that the government is planning to enable women to head the Army, Navy and Air Force in Sri Lanka.

“Currently, a woman can only reach the rank of major, especially in the army, in Sri Lanka. At present, women can only work until the age of 45 years or for 20 years in the Army,” he said.

The State Minister further said that new legislation has been created and has been handed over to the Attorney General’s Department to provide equal opportunities for female officers. 

The government is planning to change military laws to allow women to get promoted and in time head the three forces, he said.

The State Minister of Defence also commended the Sri Lanka Navy for having already taken the first step to provide equal opportunities for female officers. (NewsWire)

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State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon has issued a directive to carry out an immediate study of large roadside trees at risk of falling due to the prevailing wet conditions and remove any which may pose a threat to the public. 

Issuing a statement, the Ministry of Defence said that the State Minister has directed officials of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and National Building Research Organization (NBRO) to coordinate with the Environmental Authority, Road Development Authority (RDA) and local authority bodies in this regard.

The State Minister has further issued directions to relevant officials to take immediate preventive measures and remove potential roadside trees at risk of falling. 

The directives have been issued following the tragic accident that was reported near the Liberty roundabout in Colpetty this morning, where a tree had fallen onto a bus killing five passengers and injuring at least 10 others. (NewsWire)

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The Sri Lankan Government has confirmed the existence of undercover operations involving Military intelligence officers within the terrorist network linked to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

Addressing Parliament on Thursday (Sep 21), Acting Defence Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said the individual identified as ‘Sonic Sonic’ among the terrorists linked to the attacks was in fact an intelligence officer who was on an undercover operation.

“This intelligence officer skillfully entered the terrorist network and extracted vital information for the government. He posed as a terrorist. That is how one should operate among terrorists and not pose as a Police officer,” he said. 

Acting Minister Tennakoon further said that several more undercover operations will have to be conducted with officers entering terrorist networks in order to extract information about potential future attacks.

“There is no other way. Parliament must understand this. Please stop making this political,” he requested from the House, while reprimanding the opposition for failing to understand the nature of undercover operations.

Acting Minister Tennakoon questioned how military intelligence officers could be requested to engage in such missions in the future, when the country was bent on penalizing them for their efforts.

The Acting Defence Minister also made a revelation on the name “Adu Hindh”, stating that it was linked to the online platforms used by Easter attacks mastermind Zaharan and his network for their activities.

“Zaharan and his network used online platforms for their activities. This ‘Adu Hindh’ is a pseudonym that was used by an international intelligence agency to get in contact with this group of extremists and extract information,” he said. 

The revelations come after questions were raised in Parliament recently on the code-names ‘Sonic Sonic’ and ‘Adu Hindh’ related to the Easter attacks. (NewsWire)

Easter Attack : Sri Lanka's Defense Ministry reveals "Sonic Sonic" as an undercover military intelligence officer, who effectively posed as a terrorist within Zaharan Hashim's group, gathering vital information pic.twitter.com/aBRyqWDhtC

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) September 21, 2023

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An individual arrested for having allegedly sent threatening SMSs to the State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and for having shared similar posts on Facebook has been remanded.

According to Ada Derana, the suspect was remanded until August 03 by the Naula Magistrate’s Court.

The suspect was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department over the offence of having threatened the State Minister of Defence during the ‘Aragalaya’ peoples’ movement protest in 2022. 

During the case hearing, the Senior Government Advocate informed the court that even though people are entitled to freedom of expression under the Constitution, they cannot be used for illegal matters.

The Senior Government Advocate pointed out that the suspect through his actions has violated the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, as well as the provisions of the Bail Act and called for the suspect to be remanded.

Taking into consideration the facts, the Naula Magistrate’s Court remanded the suspect until August 03. (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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New Acting Ministers have been appointed for the Finance and Defence Ministries in the absence of the current Minister of Defence and Finance, President Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has been appointed as the Acting Minister of Finance.

Meanwhile, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon has been appointed as the Acting Minister of Defence.

The appointments come after President Ranil Wickremesinghe left for Japan today to attend the 28th Nikkei Future of Asia Conference held in Tokyo.

While the President is expected to address the Conference, he is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Minister of Finance Suzuki Shunichi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hayashi Yoshimasa and Minister for Digital Transformation Taro Kono.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe will visit Japan from today until May 27, 2023, until which time the Acting Ministers will be vested with powers. (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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State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon has been appointed as the Acting Minister of Defence, the Department of Government Information announced.

According to the department, Premitha Bandara Tennakoon will function in the post on behalf of President and Minister of Defence Ranil Wickremesinghe.

His appointment comes after President Ranil Wickremesinghe left for the United Kingdom (UK) today.

Premitha Bandara Tannakoon received the appointment from the President and will function in the role until President Wickremesinghe’s return to Sri Lanka. 

President Wickremesinghe left for the UK to attend the coronation of King Charles III which will take place on Saturday 6 May.

The coronation conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Westminster Abbey will kick off a weekend of events and celebrations in the UK. (NewsWire)

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The Ministry of Defence has provided a response to the National People’s Power (NPP) queries over the blacklisting of two former armed forces personnel, including retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, for their involvement with the NPP.

Addressing Parliament today, NPP leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake questioned the reason for the ban imposed on the two retired forces personnel.

Responding to his question, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon clarified that the Air Force and Sri Lanka Army have not imposed any form of a ban prohibiting retired personnel from engaging in politics.

He further said, however, a ban was imposed on retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha for a statement made during his appearance on a recent political stage in Gampaha which was deemed a threat to national security and a breach of discipline by the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Stating that this was just one reason among many, the State Minister of Defence pointed out that only the two retired personnel have been banned, while no action has been initiated against the other retired armed forces personnel working with the NPP.

The State Minister added that retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha has been prohibited from entering any Air Force camps due to his statement urging armed forces personnel to join hands with him, which could result in a conflict of interest for officers in duty and lead to animosity against the nation’s leader and properties, which is deemed a threat to national security.  

The matter was brought before Parliament after the NPP on Thursday revealed that retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, a decorated pilot of the 09 Mi 24 attack helicopter squadron during Sri Lanka’s civil war, has been blacklisted by the Air Force for his involvement with the NPP. (NewsWire)

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