CDS VISITS THE KENYAN NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE

Accepting the cordial invitation extended by the Chief of Defence Forces of Kenya, General Francis Omondi Ogolla EGH EBS HSC ‘ndc’(K) ‘psc’(FRA), to address the participants of the National Defence College Kenya, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Sri Lanka visited the National Defence College (NDC) of Kenya yesterday (26 March).

Upon arrival, the CDS was welcomed by the Commandant Major General R A Elmi CBS, MBS, ‘ndc’ (K), ‘acsc’ (USA), with honours befitting military traditions. He was then escorted to the college premises where he received a comprehensive briefing about the course curriculum and the activities related to the training modules. Subsequently, the CDS also spared time to share his immense knowledge and experience gathered over the years with the Commandant Major General R A Elmi. During the discussions, the CDS thanked the Commandant and commended his determined commitment and efforts to broaden the knowledge of the Kenyan military personnel.

The NDC Commandant expressed gratitude to the CDS for visiting the college and, above all, for sharing his vast expertise and priceless wisdom gained from four decades of active duty in the military. Then the CDS was escorted to the auditorium where he delivered his lecture.

In his discourse themed on ‘The Role of Military in Statecraft,' the CDS underscored the recurring significance of history, wherein the military has consistently wielded decisive influence in shaping and reshaping states. He emphasized the pivotal role played by Generals and strategic manoeuvres in navigating the complex interplay of war and diplomacy, ultimately determining the destinies of millions. Furthermore, the CDS reflected on critical decisions he made during the height of the conflict, stressing how such decisions, despite formidable challenges, could safeguard the lives of innocent civilians in Sri Lanka. Concluding his lecture, the CDS urged the audience to draw valuable insights from history and commit themselves to the pursuit of excellence in serving their nation and fellow citizens. At the end of the lecture, the CDS clarified the doubts raised by the student officers.

The NDC course comprised sixty-five (65) students, including seventeen (17) foreign students representing the tri-services, and the participants from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance, along with other stakeholders of the Kenyan government.

The National Defence College of Kenya was founded in 1992 with the prime objective of enhancing the skills and knowledge of officers from the Kenyan Defence Forces and regional military forces.

The CDS planted a sapling to commemorate his visit to the esteemed Kenyan National Defence College and he left his sentiments in the Visitors’ Book of the college, extending his wishes for the college and its staff to continue enlightening the future military leaders of the nation. The event saw its conclusion with the exchange of mementoes to mark this significant visit of Sri Lanka’s most senior serving military officer.