Newly Appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Visits Army Headquarters

The newly appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) WWV, RWP and two Bars, RSP and Bar, USP, MMSc (Strat Stu - China), MSc (Def Stu) in Mgt, MSc (Def & Strat Stu), fndu (China), psc, paid a formal courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters on 28 October 2024.

Upon his arrival the Secretary, Ministry of Defence was received by Major General C.S. Munasinghe WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc IG, Adjutant General of the Sri Lanka Army and Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps. A Guard of Honour was then presented by troops of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry.

The Secretary, Ministry of Defence inspected the parade, accompanied by the Parade Commander and the Adjutant General, in accordance with traditional military customs. At the foyer of Army Headquarters, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, warmly welcomed the Secretary, Ministry of Defence and introduced the Principal Staff Officers of the Sri Lanka Army.

During their formal meeting in the Commander’s office, the Secretary, Ministry of Defence and the Commander of the Army discussed matters of mutual importance and interest. Following the meeting, the Secretary attended a briefing session in the conference hall conducted by Major General W.P.A.D.W. Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army where he was informed about the Army’s current states and future plans.

In his maiden address to a gathering of Army personnel at Block 07 of Army Headquarters, the Secretary, Ministry of Defence commended the Army’s dedication to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. He highlighted the Army’s pivotal role in ensuring peace and stability, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the operational effectiveness and decorum in the face of challenges. The event concluded with an exchange of mementoes to commemorate the visit, and the Secretary, Ministry of Defence penned complimentary remarks in the visitors’ book, marking the significance of the occasion.

Principal Staff Officers, Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks participated in the event.