Colombo, Sri Lanka, Aug. 5 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:
- President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake pointed out that Sri Lanka's Armed Forces have significant potential to operate on the global stage as a highly capable force equipped with scientific and professional expertise, and stressed that it is essential to prepare them accordingly and provide the necessary facilities.
The President made these remarks while participating in a discussion held today (05) at the Presidential Secretariat to review the progress of projects implemented by the Ministry of Defence in 2026 and to hold pre-budget discussions for 2027.
A total allocation of Rs. 530 billion has been made for the Ministry of Defence for 2026, comprising Rs. 379 billion for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 151 billion for capital expenditure. Accordingly, the meeting extensively reviewed the progress of programmes implemented for the Sri Lanka Army, Air Force, Navy, Civil Security Department and cadet officers, as well as projects implemented by the Department of Meteorology, the Coast Guard Department and the Disaster Management Division under the Ministry of Defence.
Attention was also focused on a number of areas, including establishing the institutional framework required for education and capacity development, obtaining the contribution of military personnel to professional fields, including the construction industry, and providing them with a special allowance for such work.
Discussions also focused on expanding the engineering services operated by the Armed Forces beyond construction and technical work to include specialised consultancy services. The possibility of making maximum use of the expertise of the engineering corps of the three Armed Forces to minimise delays and excessive costs in government construction projects was also discussed.
Attention was also paid to the challenges and issues faced by military personnel engaged in healthcare-related services.
At present, 17 major projects are being implemented under the Sri Lanka Army, and their progress was also discussed.
Attention was also drawn to projects undertaken by the Navy, including the assembly of various electronic devices, installation of machinery and equipment, and upgrading of solar power systems. Discussions were also held on developing these initiatives as capital asset acquisition projects.
Approximately 136 projects are being implemented under the Sri Lanka Air Force. Attention was given to the repair of machinery, addressing issues relating to available resources and the use of modern drone technology in keeping with current global threats.
The President also inquired into the current status of construction work at the Defence Headquarters Complex in Akuregoda and its future plans. It was revealed that work on the first phase could be completed by around October this year, while the second phase, involving the provision of accommodation facilities, is expected to commence as soon as possible. The provision of the necessary financial resources for this purpose was also discussed.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of programmes implemented under the Rs. 10 billion allocated for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 103 billion allocated for capital expenditure for the Disaster Management Division. These programmes are being implemented by the Department of Disaster Management, Disaster Management Centre, Disaster Relief Services Centre, National Building Research Organisation and Department of Meteorology, and include the project to reduce landslide risks through stabilisation measures and modern Doppler Radar systems.
Discussions were also held on giving greater priority in 2027 to disaster relief services and disaster mitigation projects, while making separate allocations for the reconstruction of housing and infrastructure affected by the Ditwah disaster.
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara; Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; Chief of Presidential Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi; Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha; Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara; the Commanders of the three Armed Forces; heads of institutions under the Ministry of Defence; officials of the Ministry of Finance and other officials participated in the discussion.
Courtesy - President's Media Division
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
