Defence Services Command and Staff College

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF COURSE NO. 18

The Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) continues to set new benchmarks in military and strategic education, with its prestigious graduation ceremonies serving as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and leadership of its graduates.

On 12th December 2024, the ceremonial Graduation Ceremony of DSCSC Course No. 18 took place at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre. The event was graced by Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence Maj Gen K P Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) WWV RSP VSV USP ndc psc as the Chief Guest.

The ceremony was further distinguished by the presence of several prominent figures, including the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Army 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, family members of Course Participants along with noted academics, all of whom added grandeur and significance to this momentous event.

In the convocation address of the Chief Guest, he underscored the importance of core values of DSCSCC for grooming potential middle grade officers and the reforms which are necessary for a better future of the nation. He also extended his profound thanks to Maj Gen Kapila Dolage, the Commandant of DSCSC for his immeasurable contribution to the progression of the college.

The ceremony marked the successful completion of the course by 125 senior officers from Sri Lanka’s Tri-Services, which includes 78 Officers from the Sri Lanka Army, 21 Officers from the Sri Lanka Navy, 26 Officers form the Sri Lanka Air Force, together with 25 allied officers representing armed forces of 12 foreign countries namely Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Rwanda, Senegal, Zambia, Saudi Arabia and United States of America.

The well-deserved graduates who have displayed excellence were recognized in 3 different levels of Special Awards;

The Golden Owl Award,

The Golden Pen award and

The Commandant’s honours.

THE GOLDEN OWL

The Golden Owl Award was presented to recognize the most outstanding Sri Lankan Course Participant and foreign Course Participant of each Wing.

Army

Major KDS Silva from Sri Lanka Artillery
Major Anoop Prabhakaran from India

Navy

Commander (N) W D D Rodrigo RSP
Lieutenant Commander (OPS) Syed Muhammad Arsalan psn from the Pakistan.

Air Force

Squadron Leader D H S Wijesinghe
Squadron Leader Hareen Joshi From India.

GOLDEN PEN AWARD

The Golden Pen is awarded to the best commandant’s research paper from the three wings to Commander D D P Chamara From Sri Lanka Navy for the research paper titled “Determinant of Early Retirement Among Sri Lankan Navy Officers and Way Forward”

THE ‘COMMANDANT’S HONOURS’

This year, two Course Participants officers who obtain the highest aggregate in the overall grading and outstanding performances displayed during the entire course of training have qualified for the prestigious award.

Major KDS Silva from Sri Lanka Artillery

Commander (N) W D D Rodrigo RSP from Sri Lanka Navy

End of the address, memento was presented to the Honourable Minister by the Commandant to mark his presence as the Chief Guest.

The Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) is committed to advancing careers in Defence and Strategic Studies by guiding individuals toward the prestigious MSc (D & SS) degree, affiliated with General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. The DSCSC has proudly published the Nineth Edition of the Defence and Security Journal journal which is a dynamic publication aspires to fulfil a national requirement of providing an academic forum for the subject of defence and security.

In addition, the ‘Owlet 2024’, a journal that captures the essence of this remarkable academic year, reflecting dedication, resilience, and camaraderie that defined their journey, enriched by the guidance and support of the Commandant, Directing Staff, and all contributors was presented to the Chief Guest and members of the board of management by the Editorial Committee.

The DSCSC extended its warmest congratulations to all the new graduates for their hard earned dream of earning the ‘Passed Staff College,” the post nominal behind their names. In addition, the College warmly welcomes them into its esteemed fraternity, empowering them to tackle the future challenges of our beloved motherland, Sri Lanka. The DSCSC also congratulates the foreign graduates and sends sincere greetings to their families and nations. Through this educational partnership, the College takes pride in strengthening Sri Lanka’s ties with these countries. Looking forward, the DSCSC is eager to expand its global network and uphold its mission as a unique and internationally recognized institution of higher learning.