President proposes single national defence research centre for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed integrating the research and development centres operated by Sri Lanka’s Army, Navy and Air Force into a single national centre to achieve their objectives more efficiently and effectively.

The President made the proposal during a pre-budget discussion for 2027 relating to the Ministry of Defence, held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo this morning (August 17).

The discussion focused on the need for Sri Lanka’s defence sector to rapidly adopt modern technology and make greater use of advanced technological equipment to strengthen national security and respond to current global challenges.

Attention was also given to increasing funding for overseas training opportunities for defence personnel to improve their professional skills and help them gain new knowledge.

The meeting also reviewed the operations of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Hospital and plans to commence operations at Neville Fernando Hospital.

The allocation of funds required for these activities and related future plans were also discussed.

Further attention was given to a programme aimed at encouraging the labour contribution of defence personnel involved in the construction sector.

Deputy Minister of Defence Retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Chief of Presidential Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, and Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma attended the discussion.

Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, the Commanders of the three Armed Forces, heads of institutions under the Ministry of Defence, Finance Ministry officials and other officials were also present.