Sri Lanka discontinues Chief of Defence Staff position

The Sri Lankan government has decided to discontinue the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha confirmed during a media briefing today (January 29) that the government will not retain the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
He stated that there are no plans to continue the CDS role, and the responsibilities associated with the position will be managed by the Ministry of Defence.
“We do not plan to retain the position of Chief of Defence Staff. The responsibilities related to that role will be carried out through the Ministry of Defence,” he said.
The CDS post has remained vacant since the conclusion of General Shavendra Silva’s tenure.
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- German Defence Attaché calls on Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary December 5, 2025
- IMF considers $200 Million aid to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah December 5, 2025
- Sri Lanka’s 2026 Budget passed in Parliament December 5, 2025
- Sri Lanka reports 607 dead, 214 missing after extreme weather December 5, 2025
- Maldives donates tuna containers to Sri Lanka December 5, 2025

