Defence Ministry opens Internal Affairs Unit

Colombo, May 21 (Daily Mirror) - The Ministry of Defence has established an Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) at its premises to handle inquiries and complaints related to public service delivery.

The unit was set up in line with a Presidential Secretariat Circular, under the directives of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as part of the 2025–2029 National Anti-Corruption Plan.

According to the Ministry, the IAU aims to reduce corruption and promote institutional transparency. It will be responsible for identifying and assessing corruption risks, as well as improving internal security measures. The unit is required to submit an annual report to both the Presidential Secretariat and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuiyacontha (Retired), addressing the inauguration ceremony, emphasized that all government officials share a collective responsibility in ensuring the success of the initiative.

The unit was formally introduced to Ministry staff by Mrs. Priyangani Hewarathna, who will serve as its head. The event was attended by the Chief of National Intelligence, Additional Secretaries of the Ministry of Defence, the Director General – Planning (Disaster Management), and other Ministry staff officers.