The Graduation Ceremony of Defence Services Command and Staff Collage Course 19 was attended by the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as the Chief guest on 16th of December at Nelum Pokuna Theater.
The Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), the highest seat of military learning, marked the graduation of Course 19 by recognizing 149 graduates, including 26 Foreign Course Participants whose presence underscored the growing international engagement and the spirit of regional and global military cooperation.
The special Awards were awarded to graduates who have excelled in academic achievements under the three different levels of special awards of the Golden Owl Award, the Golden Pen award and the Commandant’s honours by the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and the journals of the 10th edition of Defence and Security Journal and Owlet were officially presented to the Prime Minister during the event.
Addressing at the event, the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya reflected on the severe impact of Cyclone Ditwah and paid tribute to those who lost their lives, with special remembrance of members of the Armed Forces who were engaged in rescue and relief operations. The Prime Minister commended the Armed Forces for their professionalism, discipline, and unwavering commitment, emphasizing their coordination with civil authorities and the public to deliver timely rescue, relief, and recovery assistance during a period of national adversity.
The Prime Minister extended appreciation to the foreign course participants for the valuable contributions made through the sharing of operational experience and national perspectives, which enriched the programme and strengthened mutual understanding.
The Prime Minister further stated that the future will demand leaders who can adapt, learn, and respond to change without losing ethical direction. Technology will continue to transform military operations, but sound judgment, discipline, and responsibility will remain central to leadership. The professional relationships formed at Defence Services Command and Staff College will matter in future peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations, multinational exercises, and regional responses to crisis.
The event was attended by the Deputy Minister to the Ministry of Defense Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha, Army Navy and Air Force Commanders, former Commanders of the DSCSC, serving senior officers from the tri services and representatives from the diplomatic corps, other distinguished guests, and family of the graduates.
Prime Minister’s Media Division