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04th November 2024 13:45:12 Hours

CDS DELIVERS ANNUAL LECTURE TO NDC PARTICIPANTS

Adhering to the protocol, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, the senior most uniformed officer of Sri Lanka delivered a lecture to the graduands of the 3rd batch of the National Defence College (NDC) this morning (04th November) at the invitation extended by the Commandant of the college Major General Senarath Yapa RWP RSP ndu.

Upon arrival, the CDS received a warm welcome before being ushered to the auditorium to address the senior officers of the Tri-Services, Police, and foreign student officers of the National Defence College (NDC). These officers are engaged in a one-year program focused on multidisciplinary studies, primarily in national security and strategic studies.

The CDS speaking on the topic “Concept of Joint Services Strategy on National Security Concerns of Sri Lanka”, underscored that national defence has evolved beyond conventional military paradigms to encompass military, economic, political, and informational dimensions. He highlighted the necessity of a unified approach to leverage Sri Lanka’s unique geographical advantages while simultaneously addressing both internal and external threats and stressed on necessity of a comprehensive defence strategy for securing the nation's future, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between military and civilian entities.

The CDS highlighted that the course participants represent the next generation of defence leaders, emphasising the need for them to be prepared to anticipate, understand and effectively respond to both traditional and asymmetric threats.

At the same time, the CDS urged the course participants to remain vigilant, never allowing themselves to be out-thought, out-innovated, or out-competed by adversaries in safeguarding national security.

Concluding his remarks, the CDS stressed that a joint mindset among all stakeholders in the national security domain is essential to harness Sri Lanka’s potential, driving the nation toward economic prosperity without compromising national security.

The lecture followed by a question and answer session where the CDS addressed questions from the students, providing comprehensive responses that broadened their knowledge.

Finally, the CDS congratulated all the student officers for their upcoming graduation in advance and wished for further professional advancement. Similarly, 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 prime objective.

The special occasion culminated in the presentation of a memento to General Shavendra Silva in recognition of his gracious presence at the college, to which the CDS reciprocated the gesture. In conclusion to the day's events, the CDS recorded his remarks in the college's Visitors’ Book, expressing his anticipation that the senior officers of the Tri-Services and Police would commit themselves to fulfilling the vision and mission of the college, ultimately benefiting the nation.