CDS ADDRESSES THE GRADUANDS OF THE NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE

Adhering to the protocol, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, the senior most uniform officer of Sri Lanka addressed the graduands of the 02nd batch of the National Defence College (NDC) prior to their graduation this morning (06th November) at the invitation extended by the Commandant of the college Major General Senerath Yapa RWP RSP ndu.

After the warm welcome received by the CDS, the Commandant of the NDC accompanied him to the NDC Course No 2 Group Photograph. Thereafter the CDS was ushered to the auditorium to address the Tri Service and Police senior officers of the NDC who undergoing one year period of committed learning on multidisciplinary domains mainly concentrating on National Security and strategic studies.

The CDS addressing the graduands on the topic “Concept of Joint Services Synergy on National Security Concerns of Sri Lanka” elaborated on the vision and mission of the NDC as a preamble and stated what the college and nation expect from the graduates. The address extended for about 45 minutes followed by another 45 minutes of question and answer session where the audience got ample opportunities to clear their doubts on the subject.

Speaking on the subject proper, General Shavendra Silva got a solid start by explaining the history and the development of the Concept of Joint Services Synergy to the present and also shared his views on the possible predictions on the same. Briefing the importance of the Concept, the CDS spoke on the challenges of the Joint Services Synergy to a country like Sri Lanka whilst highlighting the advantages that would bring upon such as resource optimization, comprehensive threat assessment, and enhanced rapid response capabilities etc.

General Shavendra Silva also elaborated on the Joint Services Synergy of other countries and their successes and failures of what they are experiencing. The CDS also during his speech portrayed the practical application of the Joint Services Synergy in Sri Lanka, particularly bringing down the examples of the successes and failures of the Operations launched against the LTTE. He further highlighted the success gained whilst being introducing and executing Synergy with all stakeholders to mitigate the global pandemic COVID 19 in Sri Lanka.

Before concluding the address, the CDS educated the gathering on the present way forward role of the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff. He also hinted about a Sri Lankan Joint Service Synergy Doctrine that is to be published in the near future.

Towards the end of the address, CDS congratulated all the senior officers for their upcoming graduation in advance and wished for further professional advancement. Further, commending the Commandant and staff of the NDC, CDS conveyed his appreciation for understanding the national requirement and moulding the officers to meet that end abreast with its motto “Wisdom Prosperity Resilience”.

The special occasion marked its culmination with a presentation of a memento to General Shavendra Silva for his gracious presence at the college where the CDS reciprocated the gesture. Concluding the day’s event, CDS placed his remarks in the Visitors’ Book of the college where he penned that he anticipates that the senior officers of the Tri Services and Police would commit themselves to fulfill the vision and mission of the college where the nation would benefit.