In a significant shift in the country's defense structure, the Sri Lankan government has announced the discontinuation of the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha confirmed the decision during a media briefing today. He clarified that the government has no intention of retaining the CDS role, and the duties once associated with the position will now be managed directly by the Ministry of Defence.
The CDS post has remained vacant since the conclusion of General Shavendra Silva's tenure. The Ministry of Defence will assume the responsibilities traditionally held by the CDS, effectively centralizing the management of defense affairs within the Ministry.
This move marks a notable change in Sri Lanka's military leadership structure, though no further details regarding the rationale or future plans for the country's defense governance were provided.
