CDS ATTENDS THE NDC INDIA ALUMNI DINNER

The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, in commemorating 50 years of association National Defence College (NDC), India and Sri Lanka Armed Forces organised the NDC India Alumni Dinner in the evening hours yesterday (28 August 2023) at Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo. This was also hosted as a formal reception of the visiting delegation of the Indian NDC.

The Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva along with his spouse Mrs Sujeewa Nelson attended the Alumni Dinner at the invitation of the High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka His Excellency Gopal Baglay. CDS conveyed his gratitude to the Indian NDC for the training opportunities made available for the officers of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces over the years. He also stated that those training opportunities have facilitated to produce a number of potential and efficient leaders to the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. Further General Shavendra Silva commended the Defence Advisor and Assistant Defence Advisor of India in Sri Lanka for organising these kinds of events which in turn strengthen the bilateral defence ties.

The first participant of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces to qualify from the NDC India in 1972, Rear Admiral D B Goonesekara (Retd) who was the Guest of Honour of the evening was felicitated at the age of 94 years. The event was graced with the presence of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc MPhil as the chief guest.

The event was also attended by Tri-Forces Commanders, retired and serving Sri Lankan Tri Forces senior officers who were the alumni of NDC India, diplomats, and a number of distinguished invitees.