Deputy Minister of Defence, retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara, chaired a special meeting at the Parliament Complex last Tuesday (09) to expedite the provision of welfare assistance to Tri-Forces and Police personnel, including members of the Special Task Force (STF), who sustained disabilities due to terrorist activities during the conflict.

The meeting reviewed measures to accelerate the implementation of a government programme aimed at addressing the long-standing welfare concerns of security forces personnel affected by terrorism.

According to the Defence Ministry, the programme was launched to identify disabled members of the Tri-Forces and Police and provide relief through a mechanism approved by the Cabinet. The initiative follows a Cabinet memorandum prepared on the recommendations of an appointed committee.

Discussions focused on the prompt implementation of the approved welfare programme, particularly the appointment of medical boards, represented by the Ministry of Health, to assess cases involving military and Police personnel who were killed, disabled, or discharged from service after being unable to resume duties owing to conflict-related injuries.

Officials said the proposed mechanism would facilitate the efficient delivery of welfare benefits to eligible beneficiaries.

Attention was also drawn to establishing a structured mechanism to decentralise the functions of medical boards and extend their operations to the regional level to improve accessibility for eligible beneficiaries across the country.

Emphasising the need for swift action, the Deputy Minister instructed relevant officials to expedite the implementation process.

Jayasekara also stressed the importance of ensuring easier access to the programme for disabled veterans residing across the island and directed stakeholders to make optimum use of medical facilities available within the Tri-Forces to facilitate referrals to medical boards and speed up the processing of benefits.

He underscored that all eligible beneficiaries should receive their entitled assistance and welfare benefits without undue delay.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting disabled service personnel who had made sacrifices in the service of the nation, the Deputy Minister assured that every effort would be made to provide the necessary welfare and assistance to those affected.

The meeting was attended by the Tri-Forces Commanders, the Director General of Health Services, senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, and senior officers representing the Tri-Forces, Sri Lanka Police and the STF.

The US Embassy in Sri Lanka yesterday announced the arrival of the Independence-variant Littoral

Combat Ship USS Canberra (LCS 30) to the Port of Colombo on June 12. The visit marks the fourth US Navy littoral combat ship to call on Colombo, following the USS Tulsa, USS Charleston, and USS Santa Barbara — and highlights the critical importance of continued engagement among maritime partners dedicated to security, cooperation, and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Under the command of Cmdr.

James McLaughlin, the USS Canberra will make a brief stop in Colombo to take on fuel and supplies.

The USS Canberra (LCS 30) is an Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship designed to operate in near-shore environments and support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions. Commissioned in July, 2023, the ship reflects the US Navy’s commitment to maintaining a capable and agile presence across the Indo-Pacific.

The port call reflects the longstanding ties between the US and Sri Lankan Navies and the close cooperation that defines our bilateral relationship.

The United States remains committed to Sri Lanka as a vital partner in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.

The Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Dewi Gustina Tobing, in her capacity as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, hosted the annual Hail and Farewell Diplomatic Reception 2026 in Colombo, bringing together Heads of Mission and their spouses accredited to Sri Lanka.

The event served as a platform to strengthen friendship, cooperation and solidarity within the diplomatic community, while also celebrating the contributions of outgoing diplomats and welcoming newly appointed envoys.

The reception honoured several outgoing Heads of Mission for their service and contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and international cooperation in Sri Lanka. Those recognised included Ambassador Lee Miyon of the Republic of Korea, Ambassador Dr. Siri Walt of Switzerland, High Commissioner Andalib Elias of Bangladesh, Ambassador Dr. Purna Bahadur Nepali of Nepal, and Chargé d’Affaires Anmar Abdulmunem Abdullah Al-Enim of Iraq.

The diplomatic community also extended a warm welcome to newly arrived Heads of Mission, including Archbishop Andrzej Józwowicz, Ambassador of the Holy See; Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer, High Commissioner of Pakistan; and Saleh M.A.S. Al-Sarawi, Ambassador of Kuwait.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Dewi Gustina Tobing underscored the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic relations and fostering closer cooperation among missions accredited to Sri Lanka.

She highlighted the role of the diplomatic corps in promoting mutual understanding, supporting development efforts and building bridges between nations.The evening concluded with a showcase of authentic Indonesian cuisine, offering guests a taste of Indonesia’s culinary heritage and cultural diversity.