Defence Services Command and Staff College

SEMINAR ON EXTREMISM (COIN 7)

The Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) successfully conducted the Seminar on Extremism for Course No. 19 on 28 August 2025 at the College’s Main Auditorium. The event brought together eminent subject matter experts (SMEs) to engage with Course Participants on one of the most pressing challenges of the modern security environment.

This year’s seminar was held under the overarching theme of “Youth, Identity, and Preventing the Next Generation of Extremists.” The discussions were further enriched by sub-themes focusing on: Addressing Socio-Economic and Identity-Based Grievances, Empowering Youth-Led Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Initiatives, Education, Critical Thinking and Civic Engagement and Rehabilitation Pathways for At-Risk Individuals. Distinguished guest speakers included Dr. Malkanthi Hettiarachchi, Dr. George Cooke, Ms. Aamina Muhsin and Mr. Faizer Shaheid Mohomad, who respectively delivered insightful presentations on the above sub-themes.

The seminar culminated in an engaging panel discussion, which provided Course Participants with an invaluable opportunity to clarify key concerns and perspectives related to extremism and CVE. The discourse offered a multi-faceted understanding of extremism, covering its definitions, narratives, counter-measures and the importance of commitment to countering extremist ideologies. The seminar not only deepened the participants’ comprehension of extremism but also emphasized the role of critical thinking, resilience and proactive engagement in preventing radicalization within the contemporary socio-political context.

The event concluded with the presentation of mementos to the guest speakers presented by the Chief Instructor of the Army Wing Brigadier GDJC Prematilake USP, ndc, psc in recognition of their invaluable contributions.

SEMINAR ON EXTREMISM (COIN 7)_2025