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10th December 2024 01:06:22 Hours

CDS ADDRESSES GRADUANDS OF DEFENCE SERVICES COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE

Continuing a cherished pre-graduation tradition, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, addressed the 18th batch of student officers at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) on 09 December 2024. The batch is scheduled to graduate on 12 December 2024.

Upon arrival, the CDS was warmly welcomed by the Commandant of the DSCSC, Maj Gen D K S K Dolage USP psc and escorted to his office, where they engaged in a cordial discussion. Subsequently, the CDS was accompanied to the college auditorium for the scheduled address.

In an insightful address themed “Defence Services Reforms,” General Shavendra Silva shared his perspectives on aligning the nation's defence priorities with evolving security challenges. He emphasized the necessity of modernization, technological advancements, and joint force integration as critical to a comprehensive reform agenda.

The CDS stressed the importance of balancing effectiveness and cost-efficiency, ensuring military capabilities are enhanced while maintaining accountability, transparency, and economic feasibility. He described a future-oriented defence posture prioritizing innovation and interoperability among the tri-services to address both emerging threats and non-traditional challenges such as disasters and pandemics.

Focusing on human resource development, the CDS highlighted the need for professionalism, leadership, and higher standards, ensuring soldiers embody discipline, courage, and integrity. Strengthening civil-military relations was emphasized as vital for cohesive disaster responses and fostering public trust, supported by necessary legal and policy reforms.

He outlined national security objectives aimed at protecting sovereignty, ensuring internal stability, supporting economic growth, and advancing cyber and AI capabilities. Recognizing the interdependence between national and economic security, the CDS underscored the value of building strong regional and global alliances to bolster shared security and interoperability.

Concluding his address, the CDS described that transformative journey from military force to military power as the ultimate goal of “Defence Services Reforms.”

At the end of the address, the CDS took on questions from the students, providing comprehensive responses that broadened their knowledge.

Congratulating the graduating officers, the CDS commended their commitment and wished them success in their future endeavours. He also acknowledged the efforts of the DSCSC Commandant and Directing Staff, expressing appreciation for their dedication to moulding the officers to meet the institution's mission: “To War with Wisdom and Knowledge.”

The address concluded with the exchange of souvenirs, commemorating the prestigious occasion.

The audience for this timely address comprised 150 middle-grade student officers, including 125 from Sri Lanka’s Tri-Forces and 25 from 12 friendly foreign nations. These officers had completed a year of intensive training across various disciplines, with a primary focus on Defence Studies.

The day concluded with an interactive session at the Officers' Mess, where the CDS engaged with the graduating officers and Directing Staff. Before departing, General Shavendra Silva penned a complimentary note in the Visitors’ Book, commemorating the customary visit.