The office of the Chief of Defence Staff has ceased to exist following the enactment of the Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Act, No. 22 of 2026.

Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne endorsed the certificate on the Bill on 22 September bringing the legislation into force.

The Act repeals the Chief of Defence Staff Act, No. 35 of 2009, which established the office and its functions, including coordinating activities between the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence.

All movable and immovable property belonging to the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff will be transferred to the Ministry of Defence.