Chief of Defense Staff post officially abolished
Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne has endorsed the Chief of Defense Staff (Repeal) Bill.The relevant Bill came into force yesterday (Sept. 22) as the Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Act, No. 22 of 2026.The Bill was presented to Parliament for its first reading on Aug. 04, 2026, while the debate on its second reading was held on Sept. 09.
The Bill was passed without a vote.The Chief of Defense Staff Act, No. 35 of 2009, was introduced to establish the post of Chief of Defense Staff, with functions including coordinating activities between the armed forces and the Ministry of Defense.
With the new Act coming into force, the Chief of Defense Staff Act, No. 35 of 2009, has been repealed, thereby abolishing the post of
