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13th December 2024 22:26:42 Hours

GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE DSCSC HELD AT THE NELUM POKUNA

The Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) marked a momentous occasion as the student officers of Course No. 18 graduated at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre last evening (12 December). The ceremony was graced by the presence of Honourable Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara WWV RSP VSV USP ndc psc as the Chief Guest.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) WWV, RWP and two Bars, RSP and Bar, USP, MMSc (Strat Stu-China), MSc (Def Stu) in Mgt, MSc (Def & Strat Stu), fndu (China), psc was also honoured the occasion.

Under the guidance of Major General D K S K Dolage USP psc, the Commandant of DSCSC, and the members of the Board of Management, the graduation ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of 150 Tri-Service middle-grade student officers including 125 from Sri Lanka’s Tri-Forces and 25 from 12 friendly foreign nations.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, who holds the distinction of being the first alumnus of the DSCSC to command the Sri Lanka Army and ascend to the prestigious appointment of CDS, attended the ceremony at the gracious invitation of the Commandant and was warmly welcomed upon his arrival.

Addressing the graduates, the Deputy Minister of Defence extended his congratulations and emphasized the critical importance of leveraging the knowledge and leadership skills gained during their training at the staff college to enhance decision-making in crisis situations. He highlighted that the effective application of these competencies is essential for achieving optimal outcomes in complex scenarios.

The Deputy Minister also commended the Commandant and faculty members of DSCSC for their unwavering commitment to shaping the military knowledge and leadership skills of the officers to the highest standards.

During the occasion, the CDS conveyed his admiration to the Commandant and the Directing Staff for their invaluable contributions to professionally moulding the future leaders of the armed forces of Sri Lanka and conveying a message to the armed forces of friendly foreign nations about the standards and quality of military training and education in Sri Lanka.

Distinguished guests included the Commander of the Army and the Commander of the Air Force, the Vice Chancellor of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, the Commandant of the National Defence College, past Commandants of DSCSC, diplomats, and the close relatives of the graduates, attended the ceremony to honour the officers' achievements.

The graduation and investiture ceremony not only marked an academic achievement but also stood as a testament to the dedication, commitment, and rigorous training undertaken by these officers, preparing them for pivotal roles in their military careers. This event marks a significant milestone in their professional journeys and underscores DSCSC's commitment to fostering excellence in military leadership and strategic expertise.