Colombo: The graduation ceremony of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) – Course No. 19 was held at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo. The event was attended by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as the Chief Guest.

According to Ministry of Defence, the ceremony also saw the presence of Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) as guests of honour. The DSCSC Course No. 19 consisted of 149 participants, including 123 officers from the Sri Lanka Tri-Forces and 26 foreign officers. These foreign officers represented the armed forces of Bangladesh, China, India, Maldives, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, and Zambia.

Lieutenant Commander (S) SNWAMKW Bandara from the Sri Lanka Navy received the award for producing the best Commandant’s Research paper of the course, known as the golden pen. Other officers who demonstrated academic excellence were also presented with special awards by the Prime Minister in recognition of their achievements. Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) also presented awards to the graduating officers.

The event was attended by Tri-Forces commanders, senior tri forces officers, Defence Attach©s from friendly foreign nations, and the families of the graduating officers.