Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha on Wednesday (29) inspected the Doppler Weather Radar Network project site in Puttalam, a Japanese grant‑funded initiative expected to significantly boost Sri Lanka’s weather forecasting and disaster preparedness.

Upon arrival, the Defence Secretary was welcomed by Department of Meteorology Director General A.L.K. Wijemannage, who briefed him on the scope and importance of the project before the site tour. 

Project engineers provided updates on construction progress, achievements since his last visit in July 2025, and the implementation schedule.

According to officials, installation of the radar system is slated to begin in January next year, with full completion targeted for July. 

The Defence Secretary expressed satisfaction with the progress and emphasized the need to meet deadlines to strengthen resilience against extreme weather events.

Once operational, the Doppler Radar Network is expected to greatly enhance forecasting accuracy and provide timely alerts to safeguard lives and property during severe weather. (Newswire)

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Continuing his official visit to the United Nations Headquarters, Sri Lanka’s Secretary of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha, has held a high‑level meeting with Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary‑General responsible for the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific at the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA‑DPO).

According to the Defence Ministry, the meeting on Wednesday (22) was attended by Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jayantha Jayasooriya, along with members of the Sri Lankan delegation.

During discussions, the delegation outlined preparatory measures for the proposed deployment of Sri Lankan troops for UN operations. 

It was stressed that all personnel selected for deployment will undergo extensive training on the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP), International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and International Human Rights Law (IHRL).

These training programmes are designed to ensure compliance with UN requirements and reinforce professional conduct in operational environments. 

The modules will also provide clear guidance on the consequences of violations of established norms and standards.

The Defence Ministry further said that robust accountability mechanisms will be in place, including procedures for reporting and investigating allegations, and disciplinary actions against individuals found guilty by competent authorities. 

The role of the National Investigation Officer in this process was also highlighted during the discussion. (Newswire)

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The Secretary of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha, says a Cabinet paper on the welfare of all retired service personnel, war veterans with disabilities and family members of veterans killed in the war, has been submitted for Cabinet recommendation.

Sampath Thuyacontha said that the Cabinet paper on their welfare, including necessary facilities and securing their future, has been submitted after reviewing the issues and challenges presented by these groups during the recent public day programs. 

He further highlighted the current government’s commitment to fully discharge its responsibilities towards the welfare of all retired service personnel, war veterans with disabilities and the family members of those killed in the war. 

The Secretary of Defence made the remarks while addressing the 81st Anniversary Celebration of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association (SLESA) held in Colombo yesterday (28).

Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) attended the event as the Chief Guest, while other distinguished guests were warmly welcomed by the President of the SLESA, Lieutenant Colonel Ajith Siyambalapitiya (Retd).

Addressing the gathering, the Defence Secretary stated that the successful eradication of the brutal terrorism that plagued the nation for three decades was due to the correct leadership, timely decisions and systematically implemented plans by the senior officers of the then-Tri-Forces. He also expressed his gratitude for the immeasurable sacrifices and invaluable service rendered by all retired and fallen war heroes for the sake of the motherland’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and peace.

Furthermore, he emphasized that as the country moves towards sustainable development, it is crucial to motivate and guide the current youth population using the experience and knowledge of war veterans. He noted that this would contribute to building a patriotic and disciplined nation.

The celebration included the presentation of Meritorious Service Medals to members who have dedicatedly served the SLESA, and the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ insignia was awarded to current members of the association. Special honorary awards were also presented to recognize the exceptional service rendered to the association by Mr Quintus Andradi, Rear Admiral Anil Bowatte (Retd), Captain D Wijesinghe (Retd) and Captain I A Sirisena (Retd).

The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including retired Commanders of the Tri-Forces, the Commander of the Air Force, senior Tri-Forces officers, officials from the Ministry of Defence and members of the SLESA. (Newswire)

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The Secretary of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha, says that currently there is no threat to national security.

He made the remark while attending the official ceremony held to mark China’s assistance provided to Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC). 

Sampath Thuyacontha further stated that underworld activities are not directly connected to national security, and that they are being managed by the Ministry of Public Security.

“There is no issue with national security. You were able to come here today without any problem. The underworld isn’t something directly linked to national security. It’s handled by the Ministry of Public Security. We provide the required support for police and national security, but only within defined limits. There is no threat to national security,” he said. 

The Defence Secretary further pointed out that at present, the underworld has been unsettled because it has lost political backing. 

“That’s why it’s shaken. It should be unsettled. Those involved in underworld activities are being apprehended. The Ministry of Public Security is implementing a plan. We provide support within the legal framework and boundaries,” he added. 

When asked if shootings were occurring frequently, because the underworld has lost its political protection, Sampath Thuyacontha acknowledged that that was one reason. 

“There’s unrest within the underworld. That has created disruption for them, which is why shootings are happening. That’s how it is,” he added. (Newswire)

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Orders have been issued to arrest all armed forces deserters, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha said on Monday.

Speaking to Newswire, the Defence Secretary said the directive has been issued in order to curb crimes in Sri Lanka. 

He further said the main objective was to expedite the process to curtail underworld-related activities in the country. 

Meanwhile, addressing the media on Saturday, the Defence Secretary addressed concerns about former military personnel engaging in criminal activities.

He noted that many such individuals involved in recent crimes had unofficially left or been discharged from military service shortly after receiving weapons training. 

Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha assured that necessary actions are being taken, with the assistance of the Police, to apprehend these individuals. (Newswire)

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The National Peoples’ Power (NPP) Government has made reductions to the tri-forces and other activities related to the 77th Independence Day celebrations, commemorated on 04 February. 

Addressing the media today, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha said that a 40% reduction has been made to the participation of Army personnel.

He said that only 1273 Army personnel will participate in the Independence Day celebrations this year, which was a reduction of over 1500 officers.

Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha further said that only three Sri Lanka Air Force helicopters will be used during the celebrations, a reduction from the 09 helicopters used last year.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence further announced that parades of armoured vehicles will not take place during this year’s Independence Day celebrations.

Stating that armoured vehicles of the tri-forces will not conduct parades, he said only parades by military personnel will take place this year.

Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha said, however, that the mid-sea gun salute by the Sri Lanka Navy will take place as usual, as it was a tradition.

He added that the Sri Lanka Police is tasked with security and traffic measures, as the rehearsals for the 77th Independence Day celebrations have commenced. 

The government has planned to conduct the 77th Independence Day celebrations surrounding the Independence Square in Colombo. (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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Recommencement of the 2024 GCE Advanced Examinations will be decided after assessing the weather and impacted areas after 29th November, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha said.

Addressing a special media briefing on the adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka, the Defence Secretary said the Met Department has forecasted that rainfall will reduce after 29th November.

He said as such, the relevant authorities will conduct an assessment of the weather, and if mainly flood-affected areas have returned to normal or a navigable state before deciding on the recommencement of the A/Level exam.

Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha said apart from the weather, the state of students must also be considered, giving them time to settle down before recommencing the exam.

He further said that a final decision on the recommencement date will be taken based on these factors by the Department of Examinations, which will release the necessary details once finalised. 

The 2024 GCE Advanced Level Examination commenced on 25 November but was suspended for three days starting today (27 Nov) due to the inclement weather conditions experienced in several districts. (Newswire)

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The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that four people have died, six have been reported missing, and nine are injured due to the adverse weather caused by a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal. 

Addressing a special media briefing on the current disaster situation caused by adverse weather, Director General of the Disaster Management Centre Major General Udaya Herath (Retd) said that 165 safe centres have been set up currently sheltering 15,586 people.

He said a total of 230,743 persons from 66,947 families have been severely affected across 18 districts due to the prevalent inclement weather in Sri Lanka. 

The Department of Meteorology has issued a Red Alert for land and sea areas, effective until 11:00 p.m. today, as the system is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm within 12 hours.  

The deep depression, located east of Trincomalee, is forecasted to move closer to Sri Lanka’s east coast before shifting towards India by November 29 and 30.  

Meteorology Department Director General Athula Karunanayake said that the depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal has brought heavy rainfall of up to 150 mm in the Northern, North Central, Eastern, and Western provinces, with showers of 75-100 mm expected elsewhere. 

“Tomorrow, Wayamba, Northern, and North Central provinces are likely to experience rainfall of about 100 mm, accompanied by wind speeds of 50-60 km/h. As the system intensifies into a cyclone this evening, strong winds and rough seas are anticipated,” he said. 

However, Sri Lanka will only face indirect impacts, with the cyclone moving towards India’s Tamil Nadu by November 29-30, and weather conditions expected to ease thereafter.

Also addressing the media, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha said that the tri-forces personnel and other government institutions are working to provide relief to the affected people. 

The public has been urged to remain vigilant and follow the instructions issued by the relevant departments pertaining to the adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) has urged newly graduating students of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) to never forget the value of peace, stability and cooperation.

“We have seen the impact of conflict and have also experienced the healing power of peace. As you step into the next phase of your journey, I urge you to take with you the lessons of our nation’s past. Let us never forget the value of peace, stability and cooperation”, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha said.

According to the Defence Ministry, he made the statement while addressing the Convocation of the KDU held at the BMICH in Colombo on 15 October.

Defence Secretary AVM Thuyacontha (Retd) graced the final session of the General Convocation as the Chief Guest. A total of 1,728 undergrads are graduating from Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes of KDU, including both internal students and student officers from the National Defence College, Defence Services Command and Staff College, Sri Lanka Military Academy, Army School of Logistics, Naval and Maritime Academy and the Sri Lanka Air Force Academy.

The Defence Secretary who is also the Chairman of the KDU Board of Management was warmly received by the Chancellor of KDU, General Shantha Kottegoda (Retd) and Vice-Chancellor (VC), Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara upon his arrival at the BMICH.

The KDU was initially established to meet the educational needs of the Tri–Forces officers in 1981.  Later it was elevated to a fully-fledged University and civilian students were also granted the opportunity to study here in 2009. Presently, international students also pursue doctoral, postgraduate and postgraduate diploma courses at the KDU which is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the International Association of Universities.  

Chief of Defence Staff, Tri-Service Commanders, Inspector General of Police, Vice Chancellors of other distinguished universities, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the KDU Board of Management, senior armed forces and police officers, academic, military and administrative staff of the KDU, family members of the undergrads were also present at the occasion. (Newswire)

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Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha says the recent Gazette notification issued by the President summoning the tri-forces was for the protection of the public. 

Speaking to the media, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha said that it was a routine procedure under the powers vested by the President.

“Even if there is no emergency law, the President has the power to summon the tri-forces for the protection of the public. It is purely a routine Gazette issued every month. However, it is being made viral on social media,” he said.  

Stating that all forms of possible threats to Sri Lanka have been identified as of now, Sampath Thuyacontha said the public is facing many nontraditional threats at present.

“Under the leadership of the President, we expect to address all these threats in a way that it does not inconvenience the public,” the Defence Secretary said. 

Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha said the government expects to address the issue by strengthening the tri-forces, adding “We intend to develop the tri-forces in all departments, including technology and training.” (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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The government has blacklisted retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha for his involvement with the National People’s Power (NPP), party member and Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara alleged.

Addressing the media yesterday (22), Harshana Nanayakkara revealed that the NPP had recently formed an ex-military community under its party.

He said, however, 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. 

Stating that it is the fundamental right of a retired officer to choose his personal affairs, Harshana Nanayakkara questioned under what reason has Sampath Thuyacontha been blacklisted and under what charges are investigations being conducted.

Harshana Nanayakkara pointed out that retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha has not been officially notified of his blacklisting.

He stated that the NPP will file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), while a writ application will also be filed at the court against the blacklisting of retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha. (NewsWire)

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