News Archive

'Any country facing terrorism should follow Lankan model'

In an exclusive interview, Sri Lankan defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa says that his country’s military victory over the LTTE offers lessons for the international community. Excerpts: Q. Recently you visited India for defence talks. There was defence cooperation for years before and during the conflict, so what are both sides talking today? A. India could not do certain things, meet certain needs of the Sri Lankan armed forces.......
Both Defence & Prosecution Make Addresses to Court

The Court Martial - 2 probing charges against G.S.C. Fonseka resumed its sittings Thursday (16) afternoon as scheduled. Defence closed the case and made the final address to Court without calling up any more witnesses. Prosecution also made its address in turn to Court afterwards. When hearing resumes tomorrow (17) at 11.00 a.m., the Judge Advocate is expected to present the summing-up of the case to Court. (Ends)
Seva Vanitha Meets Differently Able War Heroes at Kuruwita

With a view to inquiring into well-being of those differently-able War Heroes at the Kuruwita Gemunu Watch (GW) Regimental Centre, Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB), President Mrs. Manjulika Jayasuriya, in the company of several senior Army Officers from different Directorates, visited Kuruwita this morning (16). The SVAB’s popularly called, “Mobile Service” also took place during this visit. The project identified hitherto unresolved issues and problems of.....
Huge Accidental Explosion Claims Many Lives

BATTICALOA: Around 20-30 Police personnel, attached to KARADIYANARU Police Station in BATTICALOA and 2 Chinese nationals were believed killed this morning (17) when a stock of explosives, kept for safety in the Police Station compound exploded by accident. Preliminary reports said a Chinese company, engaged in construction and development work in the area has left 3 container loads of explosives, in the Police Station compound for safety and security.
Army & Air Force Emerge Joint Parachute Champions

Defence Services Parachute Championship 2010 was conducted at Uhana Air Force Base from 06th to 14th August for the first time in the history of para jumping among Defence Forces of Sri Lanka. The Championship was conducted under three categories, Accuracy Landing Team for Men and Women, Accuracy Landing Individual and Formation Sky Diver.
Vijayabahu Motor Cross Roared K'negala

Vijayabahu Motor Cross race, the year’s thrilling event in the VIR calendar was held for the 8th consecutive year at the Vijayabahu Motor Cross Track in Boyagane, Kurunegala on 5th September amidst a gathering of many motor cross fans with Major General (Retd) Jaliya Nammuni participating as the Chief Guest. This year's race had 14 events at Boyagane, one of the most seasoned tracks in the island where the participation of three Indian riders was reported. The riders had to overcome 2 double jumps and 3 single jumps in this 1.9 km long track.
Court Martial -“ 2 Verdict Given & Conveyed to Confirming Authority

The Court Martial - 2 hearing charges against G.S.C. Fonseka’s violation of laid down military procurement procedures and tender transactions found him guilty for all four charges on Friday (17) afternoon. Proceedings of the tribunal are to be conveyed to HE, the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the confirming authority of the sentence. (Ends)
Seriously Injured Airlifted to Colombo as Death Toll Stands at 25

2nd update

BATTICALOA: Twenty five persons, including sixteen Police personnel, seven civilians and two Chinese nationals are confirmed dead in the Friday (17) mid-noon accidental explosion around the KARADIYANARU Police Station premises. Latest reports said 52 persons including 32 Police personnel and 20 civilians sustained injuries and were admitted to BATTICALOA General Hospital and KARADIYANARU Base Hospital.
Army Outclasses Sailors, Clinches Defence Services Rugby Championship

Sri Lanka Army ruggerites, during one of the most thrilling encounters in the Defence Services Rugby Championship at Sugathadasa Stadium outclassed their Naval opponents beating 17 - 0 Friday (17) evening and clinched the Championship Trophy, making a new turn in the sport arena. The tussle between Army and Navy rugby teams was witnessed by the First Lady, Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa who was warmly welcomed on arrival by the Commander of the Navy Rear Admiral Tisara Samarasinghe.
Third New Ranaviru IT Institute Opened as Army Enters New Technical Vistas

Sri Lanka Army, entering further into the domain of Information Technology (IT) is to be networked shortly, so said Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army when he opened the newly established “Ranaviru IT Training Institute” in Kandy on Tuesday (14), following a direction given by the Commander, himself.