Deputy Defence Minister Assumes Duties

Major General K.P.A Jayasekara (Retd) WWV RSP VSV USP ndc psc assumed duties as Deputy Defence Minister on 25 November 2024 at the Disaster Management Centre Office, Colombo - 07. Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, also participated in the event.

During the event, His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasised that simply reinforcing institutional frameworks is insufficient for effective disaster management. The President also stressed the need to establish mechanisms to deliver practical solutions at the grassroot level.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara, President Dissanayake highlighted the importance of empowering local government institutions to prevent disasters in vulnerable areas and develop innovative solutions.

The President noted that the country’s disaster management laws were formulated after considerable study and that it is the responsibility of officials to implement them effectively. He assured his unwavering support for any official who upholds their duties with integrity and called on Government officials to propose enhancements to the legal framework if needed. President Dissanayake also pointed out that disaster management imposes a significant financial burden on the government. However, by enforcing laws effectively, these costs can be reduced significantly.

The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Hon. Ananda Wijepala, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Mr. Ravi Seneviratne, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, and Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa.

(Photo Courtesy: President Media Division)