President instructs establishment of a single national centre by integrating all research and development centres of the defence sector.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pointed out that the expected objectives could be achieved more efficiently and effectively by integrating all research and development centres currently operated by the Army, Air Force and Navy and establishing a single national centre.
The President made these remarks while participating in a 2027 pre-budget discussion relating to the Ministry of Defence at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (17).
Extensive discussions were also held on the need for the defence sector to rapidly integrate with modern technology and utilise advanced technological equipment in order to strengthen national security and overcome current global challenges.
The meeting also discussed increasing allocations for overseas training opportunities aimed at enhancing the professional skills of defence personnel and enabling them to acquire new knowledge.
The operations of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Hospital, as well as the commencement of operations at Neville Fernando Hospital, the allocation of the necessary funds for this purpose and future plans were also discussed.
Further attention was also paid to a programme to encourage the labour contribution of defence personnel engaged in the construction sector.
Deputy Minister of Defence 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, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr Harshana Sooriyapperuma, and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara were also present at the discussion, along with the Commanders of the three Armed Forces, heads of institutions under the Ministry of Defence, officials of the Ministry of Finance and other officials.
