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Security forces should be equipped with technological knowledge – President

Published

3 years ago

2022/08/27

Sri Lanka’s security forces should be equipped with technological knowledge needed to tackled the threats of the 21st century, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Thursday evening, addressing the General Sir John Kotalawala Defence University Colours Ceremony. President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasised that in the future, war might occur, not only on land, air and sea, but also in cyberspace. He added that our military should be equipped with the necessary knowledge to face such technological warfare.

President Wickremesinghe said discipline, training and knowledge are needed to create a successful army. He added that Sir John Kotalawala Defence University is already fulfilling all these requirements. The President made these comments during a ceremony to present Presidential Colours and University Colours to the General Sir John Kotalawala Defense University.

“Today, Sir John Kotalawala Defence University has gained great fame, at home and abroad. Your potential, as a defence university, has been proved. This university holds significant importance. If an army is led by its commander, that army depends on his leadership. And that army needs discipline. An army cannot advance without discipline. An army can advance only with proper discipline. However, an army cannot be led by discipline alone. Training is required, along with discipline. An army is not successful just because it has discipline and training. That army must have knowledge. It must have military knowledge and local knowledge. Success comes with that knowledge. The leaders here are given discipline, training and knowledge. From there, the army gives leadership to its own battalions and other divisions. Some become military commanders. Others go and work in different sectors, equipped with this degree”.

“At the time some questioned as to why we need such a university as there was no war. However, a few years later, we had to face a war. Hence, this university has developed from the start, thanks to Sir John Kotalawala who donated this premises and to General Derrick Perera the founder member of this university. This university has gained local and international acclaim. Many of the valiant servicemen were products of the KDU. Therefore, we must protect this university. I also urge you to produce more capable officers to our security forces from this university.”

The President said that such universities are needed for a country, adding that at the time the KDU was established there weren’t many defence universities around the world.

“I have looked into the subjects that are taught at this university and they are very good subjects. There are also many excellent lecturers at this university. This is a hidden university. Many people do not know the value of this. But this university is not restricted only to the forces. Civilian students are recruited here. That is very good. Many have been given the opportunity to further their education. Therefore, I do not agree with the criticisms made about this university.” The President also noted that the KDU is not the only university that caters to the development of military officers. “Not only this university, but also a Staff College has been established to provide training to military officers. All these institutions are necessary for our defence education. We must protect all these institutions. The world is changing and in the future we won’t see the sort of war that we have experienced in the past. New technology, new knowledge is developing. Especially the war is not limited to land, air and sea. Cyber technology is also developing. Also, climate change should be taken into consideration when you engage in your duties. This knowledge is what you need. So I wish all of you, who are receiving these colours today, the very best,” President Wickremesinghe said.

Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha, Chief of Staff to the President and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (retired), Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, tri forces commanders, Inspector General of Police, and Chairman of the University Grants Commission Prof. Sampath Amaratunga and special guests, including university Vice Chancellors, attended the event.

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Navy’s latest addition P 628 sails for Colombo from Baltimore

Published

12 mins ago

2026/02/23

Priyan

The Offshore Patrol Vessel P 628, which was formally handed over to the Sri Lanka Navy by the U.S. Coast Guard in December 2025, departed for Sri Lanka from Baltimore, United States on 20th February 2026. The home bound journey began, after the modernization work of the ship to suit the operational needs of the Sri Lanka Navy.

The EX-United States Coast Guard Cutter, USCGC Decisive was officially handed over to the Sri Lanka Navy on 02 Dec 25, as the latest addition to the SLN fleet under the Pennant Number P 628. Upon her arrival in Sri Lanka, the ship is scheduled to be formally commissioned into the fleet.

Measuring 64 metres in length, this ‘B-Type Reliance Class 210-foot Cutter’ is equipped with advanced technological systems and facilities, capable of conducting extensive surveillance operations spanning up to 6,000 nautical miles per patrol.

The vessel’s voyage to Colombo is historic, possibly marking the longest-ever passage undertaken by a Sri Lanka Navy ship. Covering approximately 14,775 nautical miles, the journey will see the P 628 navigate from Baltimore through the Atlantic Ocean, the Panama Canal (a first for a Sri Lankan naval vessel), the Pacific Ocean, and into the Indian Ocean via the Straits of Malacca. The ship is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka during the first week of May 2026.

During the transit, the P 628 is scheduled to make port calls to replenish supplies and services, providing opportunities to further strengthen diplomatic ties with partner nations.

This transfer represents the fourth vessel provided to the Sri Lanka Navy by the United States Coast Guard, reinforcing a long-standing partnership aimed at addressing common maritime challenges.

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Commander of the Navy attends International Fleet Review

Published

31 mins ago

2026/02/23

Priyan

The 13th edition of the multilateral naval exercise MILAN hosted by the Indian Navy, is being held from 18 to 26 Feb 26, at Visakhapatnam and in the waters of the Bay of Bengal.

SLNS Sagara and Nandimithra represented the Sri Lanka Navy by participating in the International Fleet Review (IFR), a major component of this multilateral naval exercise, held on 18 Feb.

The event was attended by the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, at the invitation of the Chief of the Naval Staff of India, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. The President of India reviewed the IFR, participated by the warships representing regional and global navies.

Held under the theme “United Through Oceans and the spirit of Camaraderie Cohesion Collaboration,” IFR and MILAN-26 provide a vital platform for participating nations. The participation of the Sri Lanka Navy in the MILAN-26 multilateral naval exercise highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing its maritime interests and addressing shared challenges through enhanced cooperation with other nations and institutions, grounded in mutual understanding.

Furthermore, participation in endeavours of this nature will strengthen mutual cooperation and interoperability with other maritime stakeholders. It will also provide the Sri Lanka Navy with valuable opportunities to gain new knowledge, strategic acumen, and operational experience, key elements in fostering a collective approach to maritime security.

During this visit, the Navy Commander engaged in bilateral discussions with regional and extra-regional diplomatic representatives and these strategic-level talks focused on matters of mutual interest pertaining to Sri Lanka’s maritime security and stability.

[Navy Media]

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Prime Minister attends 169th birth anniversary celebration of Lord Robert Baden-Powell

Published

5 hours ago

2026/02/23

Priyan

The 169th birth anniversary celebration of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the World Scouting Movement, and World Scout Thinking Day, was held on 22 February at the National Scout Headquarters, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Scouting Movement is not merely about holding positions, but a noble form of training that nurtures readiness to help others and to serve society while “being prepared.”

She further highlighted the importance of serving society as a disciplined and intelligent “smart” Scout who respects others while effectively using modern technology. The Prime Minister also called upon Scouts to contribute responsibly to safeguarding the nation’s future through environmentally friendly initiatives such as tree planting and the protection of water resources.

During the event, laptops were symbolically distributed to several districts under the Scout Digitalization Project, along with the provision of first-aid kits. Additionally, Chief Scout Commissioner Attorney-at-Law Manoj Nanayakkara presented the Prime Minister with a special Scout stamp collection and a commemorative cover.

The occasion was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, officials of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, and a large number of Scouts from across the island.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)