Colombo: The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Defence of the 10th Parliament convened under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. During the meeting, progress on matters discussed at previous sessions was reviewed, including the release of land in the Northern Province, reopening of roads, and continuation of school activities.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, positive steps have been taken to address several proposals submitted by various parties. The discussions also highlighted the remaining challenges in carrying out these activities and the necessary steps to overcome them. The committee extensively discussed measures to ensure unobstructed public access to ‘Sandy Bay’ beach in the Manayaweli area of Trincomalee and initiatives to resolve issues faced by the fishing community.

Special attention was given to coastal erosion affecting lands near Oluvil Harbour. The President has instructed the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources to conduct a new feasibility
study with the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) to assess viable options for effective utilisation of the harbour.

The meeting also focused on the welfare of security forces members, the deployment of additional personnel to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, and urgent measures to strengthen the helicopter fleet. Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, along with the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Rted), and senior officials of the defence sector were present at the meeting.