DELEGATION FROM SWITZERLAND MEETS CDS FOR PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS OF THE 5 TH DEFENCE ATTACHÉ ORIENTATION COURSE IN SRI LANKA

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil welcomed the delegation from Switzerland and the Defence Attache who visited the Office of Chief of Defence Staff today (04 October 2022) for the preliminary session in streamlining the 5 th Defence Attaché Orientation Course. The delegation was comprised of Colonel Laurent Currit, the Course Director, Colonel Garraux, Defence Attache of Switzerland to Sri Lanka based in India and Ms Barthelme, the Course Coordinator.

The foreign delegates paid their gratitude to the CDS for the continued support and assistance of the CDS extended to the previous courses conducted in Sri Lanka and wished the same for this year’s sessions as well. In response, the Chief of Defence Staff ensured the fullest support to the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) to continue the courses in Sri Lanka. The CDS further emphasised that courage and commitment have always proved that ‘nothing impossible’ and will drive you to positive end results. Inviting the foreign delegates to witness the scenic beauty and the heritage of the country, the CDS added that these types of courses are an opportunity to understand the different cultures of the nations while meeting the end state.

The 5 th in sequence, this year’s orientation course has been programmed to be held at the Kotelawala Defence University from 5th to 10th December 2022. The GCSP international foundation, primarily dedicated to building and maintaining of peace, security and stability through training, research, and dialogue has successfully trained 61 local and 53 foreign Defence Attachés during the previous 4 courses held in SL and they expect 30 participants (15 each from local and foreign) this year.

Marking the event, the Chief of Defence Staff shared mementos to the members of the foreign delegation at the OCDS.