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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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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Seven Sri Lanka tri-forces personnel are reported to have gone missing while participating in the 2023 CISM World Military Triathlon Championship held in France.

The Sri Lankan Defence Services Triathlon team departed the country on May 04 to participate in the 24th CISM World Military Triathlon Championship held from 5 – 9 May in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France.

According to Aruna newspaper, a 13-member tri-forces delegation from Sri Lanka had participated in the event in which 22 foreign nations contested.

The Sri Lankan Defence Services team comprised five Men and five Women players along with three officials from the SL Army, SL Navy and SL Air Force. 

Commander Lakmal Weerakkody from SL Navy who is the Chairman of Defence Services Triathlon is the Chief of the Mission. 

The team participated in the Elite men’s and women’s individual events, team events and mixed team events.

The passports of the Sri Lankan delegation were in the possession of Commander Lakmal Weerakkody.

It is reported that seven members of the Sri Lankan team had stolen the passports when the Chief official had left for lunch and fled their accommodation.

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence was informed yesterday (11), that among those reported missing are four Army officers, Two Air Force personnel, and one Navy officer.

The authorities suspect if the tri-forces officers had escaped in search of jobs in France.

A Senior official has stated that the passports of the personnel were placed with a high-ranking official as similar incidents had occurred in the past. (NewsWire)

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