Defence Services Command and Staff College

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF COURSE NO 19

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 16 December 2025, the ceremonial Graduation Ceremony of DSCSC Course No 19 took place at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre. The event was graced by Honourable (Dr) Harini Amarasuriya, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka as the Chief Guest.

The ceremony was further distinguished by the presence of several prominent dignitaries, including the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General K P Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) WWV RSP VSV USP ndc psc, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Tri-Forces Commanders, former Commandants 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.

Upon the arrival of the Chief Guest and distinguished invitees, the Commandant of the DSCSC extended a warm welcome and accompanied them to light the traditional oil lamp, symbolising the invocation of blessings in keeping with age-old traditions. Thereafter, the Chief Guest and the Deputy Minister of Defence, together with the members of the Board of Management, proceeded in a formal procession to the theatre and subsequently to the stage for the conferment of accreditation upon the Course Participants of DSCSC Course No. 19.

The ceremony marked the successful completion of the course by 123 officers from Tri-Services of Sri Lanka, which includes 74 officers from the Sri Lanka Army, 25 officers from the Sri Lanka Navy, 24 officers from the Sri Lanka Air Force, together with 26 allied officers representing armed forces of 11 foreign countries namely Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia and Zambia.

The well-deserved graduates who have displayed outstanding academic and professional excellence were recognised in three different levels of Special Awards, as listed below:

The Golden Owl Award
The Golden Pen award
The Commandant’s Honours

Brief descriptions of each award and the corresponding recipients are outlined below under their respective categories:

THE GOLDEN OWL

The Golden Owl Award was presented to recognize the most outstanding Sri Lankan and Foreign Course Participants of each Wing. The ‘Golden Owl’ recipients are as follows:

Army Wing
Major R A L Perera from Sri Lanka Light Infantry
Major Ananthu S Kumar from the Republic of India

Navy Wing
Commander (G) H P U M K Hewasinghe from the Sri Lanka Navy
Commander M D Imran Khaled (E) psc from the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Air Wing
Squadron Leader S A I N Subasinghe from the Sri Lanka Air Force
Squadron Leader Yousuf Yahya Abdullah Rashdi from the Sultanate of Oman

THE GOLDEN PEN AWARD

The Golden Pen is awarded to the Course Participant who produces the best Commandant’s Research Paper from the three wings. The Golden Pen for the best Commandant’s Research Paper of the Course No 19 was awarded to Lieutenant Commander S N W A M K Bandara from the Sri Lanka Navy.

THE COMMANDANT’S HONOURS

The Commandant’s Honours is presented to officers who obtain aggregate of 70% or above in the overall grading upon completion of the course. The following Course Participants have qualified for this prestigious award:

Army Wing
Major RAL Perera from Sri Lanka Light Infantry
Major SHG Fernando from Commando Regiment
Major Ananthu S Kumar from the Republic of India
Major Naim Hasnain from the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Navy Wing
Commander (G) H P UM K Hewasinghe from the Sri Lanka Navy
Commander M D Imran Khaled (E) psc from the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Air Wing
Squadron Leader S A I N Subasinghe from the Sri Lanka Air Force

The DSCSC is committed to advancing careers in Defence and Strategic Studies by guiding middle grade officers toward the prestigious MSc (D & SS) degree, affiliated with General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. The DSCSC proudly published the Tenth Edition of the Defence and Security Journal which is a dynamic publication aspires to fulfil a national requirement of providing an academic forum for the subject of defence and security and presented the first copy to the Chief Guest.

In addition, the ‘Owlet 2025’, 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.

In the convocation address, Honourable Prime Minister underscored the importance of core values of DSCSC in grooming potential middle-grade officers, emphasizing that reforms aimed at shaping leaders who demonstrate sound judgement, accountability, technological competence, and upholding ethical guidance will be of greater value for the nation’s future. While stressing that a robust and capable armed force is vital to the nation, the Honourable Prime Minister highlighted the exceptional role played by the Tri-Services during natural calamities, particularly during Cyclone ‘Ditwah’. She also extended her profound thanks to Major General H H K S S Hewage RWP RSP USP rcds psc, the Commandant of DSCSC for his immeasurable contribution to the progression of the college.

At the conclusion of her address, the Commandant of DSCSC presented a memento to the Honourable Prime Minister in appreciation of her gracious presence as the Chief Guest.

The DSCSC extends its warmest congratulations to all the new gradates for their hard-earned dream of 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 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 the ties with these countries. Looking forward, the DSCSC is eager to expand its global network and uphold its mission as a unique and internationally recognised institution of higher learning.

Graduation Ceremony_2025