News
Lankan Navy set to lead Combined Task Force 154 in significant maritime coalition milestone
A delegation led by Commodore Haytham Elsayed Khalil, Commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, met with Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, at Navy Headquarters last Wednesday (2). This meeting marks a significant moment as the Sri Lanka Navy prepares to assume command of CTF 154, a unit under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the largest maritime coalition in the world, based in Bahrain.
Upon arrival, Commodore Khalil and his delegation received a warm welcome from Vice Admiral Perera. The discussions centered on key bilateral issues, particularly the Sri Lanka Navy’s upcoming leadership role in CTF 154. The cordial meeting concluded with the exchange of mementoes.
The Combined Maritime Forces consists of 46 maritime partners, focusing on counter-narcotics, counter-smuggling, and piracy suppression. Sri Lanka joined the CMF as its 39th member country in 2023, actively participating in joint maritime security operations to promote a safe maritime environment free from illicit non-state actors.
CMF is composed of five Combined Task Forces (CTFs), each assigned specific roles. CTF 150 is responsible for Maritime Security Operations in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman, while CTF 151 focuses on counter-piracy operations in those regions. CTF 152 handles maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf, and CTF 153 conducts similar operations in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. CTF 154 is dedicated to Maritime Security Training.
Assuming command of CTF 154 represents a significant milestone in the Sri Lanka Navy’s 74-year history. The Navy will focus on training initiatives aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of member navies, which includes promoting maritime awareness, applying maritime law, conducting effective maritime interdiction, and leading rescue and assistance operations. This leadership role will enhance the Sri Lanka Navy’s international recognition as a capable force in the vast maritime region, from domestic waters in the Indian Ocean to international seas, thereby elevating the country’s reputation on the global stage.
Following the courtesy call, Vice Admiral Perera presided over a meeting with Commodore Khalil, Deputy Commander CTF 154 Commander William Franklin Campbell, and Lieutenant Mohamed Abdelrahman Mohamed Eldaltouny, the Maritime Security Enhancement Training Planner. The discussions focused on the transition of command for CTF 154. Also in attendance were Rear Admiral Nishantha Peiris, Director General of Operations, Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, Director General of Training, along with other senior officers from Navy Headquarters.
News
Cabinet nod to increase the number of new automated passenger clearance gates at the Bandaranayake International Airport to 12
Approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 19.05.2025 to purchase four (04) automated passenger clearance gates for Bandaranayake International Airport.
In addition, it is expected to extend the automated passenger clearance gates facility so far given only to the Sri Lankans
parallel to the e – passport issuance system to be introduced in the year 2027 also to the foreigners who travel to and from this country.
Furthermore, considering also the number of air passengers rapidly increasing with the fast – forwarding business and tourism field, the appropriateness to increase the total automated passenger clearance gates up to twelve (12) in number has been recognized.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers, approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to initiate the procurement and installation of 12
automated passenger clearance gates altogether with the already approved four (04) and another eight (08) automated passenger clearance gates adhering to the formal procurement procedure
Based on the observations submitted by the Task Force on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing for Terrorism, approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 18.12.2024 to amend the Trust Ordinance No. 9 of 1917 including amendments proposed by the Financial
Intelligence Unit of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Accordingly, clearance of the Attorney General has been granted for the Trust (Amendment) Draft Bill formulated by the Legal Draftsman.
Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Justice and National Integration
to publish the said draft bill in the government gazette notification and thereby, submit the same to the Parliament for its concurrence.
Action was taken to provide a fuel relief for the fuel consumers during the months of April, May and June of 2026 to redress by minimizing the impact caused to the day today life of the citizens of this country as well as the entire economy due to the price hike of petroleum fuel in the global market resulting from the war situation in the Middle East.
Government mediation is essential for minimizing the impact on the day to today life of citizens in this country due to that war situation not being ended further. Therefore, it has been planned to redress on the sale price for Auto Diesel and Industrial Diesel for a period of 03 months by the Government to provide relief to the public as well as to maintain the prices at a bearable level to the consumers without escalating the fuel prices in this country compared to the escalation of fuel prices
in the international market.
Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval for the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to
allocate provisions subject to the monthly limitations respectively as rupees 15 billion for the month of October, rupees 13.5 billion for the month of November and rupees 12.15 billion for the month of December to provide the said relief
Cabinet nod to increase the number of new automated passenger clearance gates at the Bandaranayake International Airport to 12
Draft Bill for amending the Trust Ordinance
Implementing further relief programme to Public sffected by the Middle East conflict situation
Establishment of a Spectrum Management and Monitoring System and a Quality of Service and Quality of Experience System for the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka
Appointment of a Committee for the Restitution of Sri Lankan Cultural Heritage Held Abroad
Ten-Year National Action Plan on the Social Protection Sector (2026–2035)
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News7 days agoMastermind Naufer Moulavi among 15 found guilty
-
Midweek Review7 days agoThileepan’s fast unto death: An authentic narrative that many missed
-
Latest News6 days agoShowers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts
-
Editorial7 days agoBig Bad Bills
-
Editorial6 days ago
Crimes punished and unpunished
-
Features5 days agoBeyond traditional jobs: Why Sri Lanka needs to facilitate the gig economy
-
News7 days agoNo referendum needed for passage of 22 A: SC
-
News7 days agoOne clause in Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill requires referendu: SC