The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake,  formally assumed duties as the Defence Minister during a ceremony held at the Defence Headquarters in Akuregoda yesterday (22 November 2024).

Upon his arrival, the President was welcomed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), the Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa. In keeping with military traditions, a ceremonial tri-service Guard of Honour was accorded to the President.

During the occasion, President addressed an assembly comprising senior tri-service officers and staff of the Ministry of Defence. The event was attended by the presence of Deputy Minister of Defence Major General  Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Commanders of the Army, Navy and Air Force.