News
NPP govt. urged to explain its defence policy
‘Prez shouldn’t have questioned loyalty of armed forces’
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Former Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (retired) Sarath Weerasekera said that the National People’s Power (NPP) government should explain the rationale in reducing the overall strength of the armed forces to 158,000 officers and men by 2030.
Weerasekera, who served as the Navy Chief of Staff at the time he retired at the onset of Eelam War IV, said that the NPP appeared to have adopted the proposal made by the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government in late 2023.
Weerasekera was commenting on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent declaration in Parliament that the strength of the Army, Navy and Air Force would be reduced to 100,000, 40,000 and 18,000, respectively, by 2030. The President said so addressing Parliament during the Committee Stage Debate on the 2025 Budget.
President Dissanayake, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, in addition to being the Defence Minister, owed the country an explanation as to whether he adopted the previous government’s plan and who actually formulated the strategy, the naval veteran queried.
At the height of the war in 2008/2009, the combined strength of the armed forces was around 300,000, the war veteran said. Acknowledging that since the conclusion of the war in 2009, the strength of the armed forces had been gradually decreased, the ex-parliamentarian emphasized the responsibility on the part of the incumbent government to be prepared to face any eventuality.
The former Minister said that having served the Navy for over three decades he was so disappointed to hear the President questioning the professionalism of the country’s armed forces. The President’s assertion that our armed forces had been loyal to individuals but not the State was nothing but an insult to those who defeated northern and southern terror, the ex-MP said.
There had never been a single instance of the armed forces disregarding political directives during the war in the north-east and at the time of southern insurrections in 1971 and 1987-1990, the SLPPer said.
The war veteran asked whether the reduction of the armed forces had been in line with the agreement the previous government finalized with the IMF. In 2024 the Parliament unanimously passed the controversial Economic Transformation Bill that guaranteed whoever won the presidential and parliamentary polls the IMF agreement would be followed.
The former Minister said that the NPP government couldn’t absolve itself of the responsibility for defending our armed forces at the Geneva-based UNHRC. Unfortunately, the NPP not only questioned the professionalism of our armed forces but their loyalty, as well, amidst ongoing Geneva sessions, the ex-parliamentarian who served as the Chairman of the Oversight Committee on National Security, during the previous administration, said.
Commenting on the recent directive to arrest military deserters in the wake of a legally discharged soldier killing Ganemulle Sanjeewa in a courtroom at Hulftsdorp, Weerasekera emphasized the government couldn’t rein in the underworld by such measures alone.
There could be instances of serving personnel carrying out hits for the underworld, Weerasekera said, urging the government to be cautious in addressing perennial issues, such as nexus between the armed forces men and the underworld.
Weerasekera said that the economy was still in dire straits and the country couldn’t afford to undermine the security apparatus. Reference was also made to recent happenings at the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) where over a dozen Brigadiers and Colonels had been moved out to pave the way for a relatively junior officer to move up the ladder.
The former Minister pointed out that fresh uncertainty was developing in the wake of the NPP’s contentious approach to defence.
Gen. Nakatani, Minister of Defense of Japan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at Temple Trees today [May 4].
The discussion took place in the spirit of long-standing bilateral friendship and focused on strengthening cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of defense and regional security. Minister Nakatani extended his congratulations to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government of Japan and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to collaborative efforts in ensuring peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
He also emphasized Sri Lanka’s strategic importance in maritime security and regional connectivity.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support through development partnerships, especially via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). She reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, economic reform, and national transformation.
The Prime Minister also shared the government’s vision for evolving the role of Sri Lanka’s security forces to include responsibilities such as climate response, humanitarian assistance, and maritime protection. The meeting further explored opportunities in trade, investment, and tourism, with both parties agreeing to deepen engagement across five key sectors.
The Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and senior officials from both governments participated in the meeting.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed for Vietnam.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of the President of Vietnam from May 4 to 6, 2025.
During the visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He will also meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other senior officials.
On May 6, the President will attend the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief guest and will also deliver the keynote address.
In addition, the visit is expected to include the signing of several bilateral agreements and engagement with the Vietnamese business community to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, is accompanying the President on this important visit.
[PMD]
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The Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 03 May 2025, valid for 04 May 2025.
The public re warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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