In order to nurture highly qualified strategic decision-makers in the disciplines of national security, statecraft, diplomacy, and public policy to ensure national security and national development of Sri Lanka, the National Defence College (NDC) was established recently as the highest seat of military learning and the premiere institute to fosters strategic thinking for senior officers of the Tri-Services, Police, and Public Service.

The maiden Graduation Ceremony of the prestigious National Defence College (NDC) Course No 01 was held at the National Defence College premises yesterday (14 September 2022). The President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the Commander in Chief of Armed Forces, Minister of Defence and Minister of Finance Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The Chief Guest was received by the Commandant of National Defence College, Major General Amal Karunasekara and members of the Board of Management, Inspector General of Police and the Faculty.

Course No 01 commenced on 12 November 2021 and a total of 31 Officers comprising 14 Officers from the Sri Lanka Army, 07 Officers from the Sri Lanka Navy, 06 Officers from the Sri Lanka Air Force and 04 Officers from the Sri Lanka Police graduated on the occasion upon successful completion of the year-long course with the qualification of ‘National Defence Course' ndc an acronym as a post-nominal.

The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana participated in the event. Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General  Kamal Gunaratne(Retd), Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Inspector General of Police Mr CD Wickramarathne, Additional Secretary (Defence) Ministry of Defence Mr RMPS Rathnayake, Vice Chancellor, General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University - Major General Milinda Pieris, Director Department of National Budget Ms WMSK Weerasekara, Secretary National Defence College Brigadier PPA Perera, Members of the Board of Management of the NDC, Members of the Academia, Senior Officers of the Tri Services and Police and also Spouses of the graduates were among the distinguished guests.

Special Awards were conferred to graduates who have excelled in academic achievements during the ceremony by the Chief Guest, Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe. The list of recipients of Special Awards is given below.

MOST OUTSTANDING OFFICER OF THE SL ARMY
Brigadier WASR Wijedasa

MOST OUTSTANDING OFFICER OF THE SL NAVY
Rear Admiral BAKSP Banagoda

MOST OUTSTANDING OFFICER OF THE SL AIR FORCE
Air Commodore PN De Costa

MOST OUTSTANDING OFFICER OF THE SL POLICE
Senior Superintendent of Police EMGJ Seram