The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, I addressed many points this morning under the Defence Head. Opposition Members raised various issues on national security.

¶ 02 [At this stage, Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake entered the Chamber.]

¶ 03 Sri Lanka has a disciplined, professional, high‑standard military in Asia. Having served nearly 35 years, I attest to their excellence. National security is assured. Military excellence is not about sheer numbers but professionalism—science, technology, innovation, research and development—integrated to elevate defence. Budgeted funds under the Defence Head will be allocated appropriately across institutions.

¶ 04 On a National Security Advisor Council: it is in our policy; we will establish it, including by law. On State Intelligence: after the Arugam Bay incident post‑Presidential Election, agencies managed the situation credibly and at a high level—Army, Navy, Air Force intelligence worked together.

¶ 05 On cybersecurity: a Cybersecurity Act is being brought by the Digital Economy Ministry; we will adopt necessary measures. On disaster management: the National Disaster Management Council had not met since 2018; under the President’s leadership, we will reconvene it and restructure disaster management.

¶ 06 We are a vital maritime nation. The Navy works day and night to protect our EEZ, marine resources, and environment, including operations against illegal fishing in the North. Many naval platforms are old; we plan modernization with high technology, requiring significant investment, to enforce maritime law effectively. The Air Force also needs modernization of aircraft and helicopters to secure land, sea, and air in an integrated programme.

¶ 07 The Coast Guard significantly enforces maritime law and will be further strengthened. Facing new threats, our Tri‑Forces must be strong, knowledgeable, and professional to contribute to regional and global security. We also aim to support social and economic objectives without compromising security. Under the Clean Sri Lanka programme, the Defence Ministry’s 25 institutions, including the Tri‑Forces and Civil Security, are leading many tasks, notably school development.

¶ 08 Our National Hydrographic Office produces electronic navigational charts; with some 40,000 vessels passing annually near our sea lanes, chart sales can generate revenue. We will invest to further develop this office.

¶ 09 Force levels in the North and East are already limited; we will continue to assess and retain only where essential, redeploying others as needed. Thank you.