Colombo: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stressed the need for Sri Lanka’s defence forces to evolve into one of the most professional military entities on a global scale. He urged the proper allocation of the necessary budgetary resources to ensure adequate training and facilities are in place to meet this objective.

According to News.LK, the President issued these directives during the preliminary budget discussion for the Ministry of Defence for 2026, which took place at the Presidential Secretariat. The meeting reviewed the progress of initiatives funded by the 2025 budget allocations for the Ministry of Defence. Discussions included programs for the Sri Lanka Army, Air Force, Navy, the Civil Security Department, and cadet officers.

Special emphasis was placed on overseas training opportunities for defence force members, with the President noting the unique nature of such training compared to other government sectors. He called for particular attention to this aspect.

The President also instructed that the families of Civil Security Department members who perished in the war should receive the same compensation as families of other defence service members. Additionally, he highlighted the need for improved efficiency and effectiveness in the services provided by the Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Hospital, given the substantial government expenditure on its maintenance.

The meeting also addressed other areas, including construction projects related to the Ministry of Defence and welfare measures for defence force members. Attendees included Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, and Secretary to the Ministry of Defence H. S. Sampath Thuyacontha, among other senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and Commanders of the Tri-Forces.