NDC COURSE NO 2 GRADUATED IN A GRAND CEREMONY

Ceremonial Graduation of the National Defence College (NDC) was held yesterday (21st November) at the Eagles’ Lakeside Banquet and Convention Hall in Attidiya with the gracious presence of His Excellency the President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Upon successful completion of National Security and Strategic Studies, 36 senior officers from the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force, and Police were conferred the proud acronym ‘ndc’ signifying their successful completion of the course.

At the invitation of the Commandant of the National Defence College Major General Senarath Yapa RWP RSP ndu, the Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil attended the occasion and congratulated new graduates for their professional success. He also commended the untiring commitment of the Commandant and the staff of the college to endow professionally equipped senior officers to the nation.

Addressing the gathering, President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated the new graduates on their milestone achievement in their military career. He also stressed the geostrategic importance of the country in the Indian Ocean and in all aspects, the powerful nations are in keen interest towards our country. It is a well-known fact that the control of the Indian Ocean is crucial in making an impact on the world order. Explaining the change of Unipolar and Bipolar world order over the past, the president brought out the present status of the same. President highlighted the sensitivity of the small nations during the power rivalries where he stressed the importance of balanced relations with the world particularly with the major powers that should be practiced by the small nations like Sri Lanka. Further, President Ranil Wickremesinghe mentioned that steps are underway to enact solid Foreign and Defence Policies from the beginning of the next year that would strengthen the development and security of the nation.

The event was graced by the presence of other dignitaries, including the National Security Advisor Mr Sagala Rathnayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Commanders of the Tri-Services, a number of diplomats, Defence Attaches, and serving and retired senior military and Police officers, as well as academia, adding prestige to the ceremony.