January 08, Colombo (LNW): The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Defence of the 10th Parliament met this week under the chairmanship of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with discussions centred on national security matters and several region-specific development issues.
At the meeting, members reviewed the follow-up action taken on decisions reached at earlier sessions. Progress was reported on a number of long-standing concerns, particularly initiatives linked to the Northern Province, including the phased release of land, the reopening of key road networks and steps taken to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of schools. Participants also examined obstacles that continue to delay full implementation and explored practical solutions to overcome them.
Considerable attention was given to ensuring unhindered public access to the Sandy Bay beach area in Manayaweli, Trincomalee, alongside ongoing problems faced by local fishing communities. Members discussed measures aimed at balancing security requirements with the livelihoods of coastal residents.
The committee also addressed the issue of severe coastal erosion near the Oluvil Harbour, which has affected surrounding lands and infrastructure. President Dissanayake informed the meeting that the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has been directed to undertake a fresh feasibility assessment, with technical support from the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, to determine sustainable options for the harbour’s future use.
Broader defence-related matters were also on the agenda, including the welfare of service personnel, plans to increase Sri Lanka’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations and the need for urgent upgrades to the country’s helicopter fleet.
The meeting was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Members of Parliament, along with the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, and senior officials representing the defence establishment.
