GRADUATION CEREMONY OF NO.17 DEFENCE SERVICES COMMAND AND STAFF COURSE
7:04pm on Thursday 14th December 2023
The Graduation Ceremony of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) Course No 17 was held at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre today (14 December 2023). The President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The President was welcomed by the Commandant of the DSCSC, Major General Lasantha Rodrigo and members of the Board of Management.
Course No 17 commenced on 04 January 2023 and concluded on 14 December 2023. A total of 148 student officers, including 72 from the Army, 26 from the Navy, 24 from the Air Force, and one from the Police. Additionally, there were 25 foreign officers from countries like Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, the United States and Zambia.
The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa participated in the event. Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of the Presidential Staff, Hon. Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Army, Commander of the Navy, Vice Chancellor General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Heads of Diplomatic Missions and other members of the Diplomatic Corps, Former Commandants of the college, Members of the Board of Management of the DSCSC, Members of the Academia, Senior Officers of the Tri Services, Spouses and Parents of the graduates were among the distinguished guests.
Special Awards were awarded to graduates who have excelled in academic achievements during the ceremony by the chief guest. The list of recipients of Special Awards is given below.
Course No 17 commenced on 04 January 2023 and concluded on 14 December 2023. A total of 148 student officers, including 72 from the Army, 26 from the Navy, 24 from the Air Force, and one from the Police. Additionally, there were 25 foreign officers from countries like Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, the United States and Zambia.
The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa participated in the event. Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of the Presidential Staff, Hon. Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Army, Commander of the Navy, Vice Chancellor General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Heads of Diplomatic Missions and other members of the Diplomatic Corps, Former Commandants of the college, Members of the Board of Management of the DSCSC, Members of the Academia, Senior Officers of the Tri Services, Spouses and Parents of the graduates were among the distinguished guests.
Special Awards were awarded to graduates who have excelled in academic achievements during the ceremony by the chief guest. The list of recipients of Special Awards is given below.
COMMANDANT’S HONOURS AWARD
Following Student Officers who obtained an overall aggregate of 70% (B+) or above were awarded with the Certificate of Commandant’s Honours.
Army
Major WBCD Wijepala (Sri Lanka Armored Corps)
Major MLTP Liyanaarachchi (Sri Lanka Commando Regiment)
Major MD Jubaer Alam (Bangladesh Army)
Major Harry Gim (USA Army)
Navy
Lieutenant Commander JMHI Bandara
Lieutenant Commander Sunnay Sharma (Indian Navy)
Air Force
Squadron Leader GDDP Senarathne
Golden Pen Award
Award for producing the best Commandant’s Research paper of the Course was awarded to
Lieutenant Commander JMHI Bandara (Sri Lanka Navy)
Golden Owl Award
Following most outstanding local and foreign Student Officers who have secured the first in the order of merit in each wing were awarded with the Golden Owl Award.
Army Wing
Foreign Student Officer: Major Rohit (Indian Army)
Sri Lankan Student officer: Major WBCD Wijepala (Sri Lanka Armored Corps)
Navy Wing
Foreign Student Officer: Lieutenant Commander Sunnay Sharma (Indian Navy)
Sri Lankan Student Officer: Lieutenant Commander JMHI Bandara
Air Wing
Foreign Student Officer: Wing Commander S Mahajan (Indian Air Force)
Sri Lankan Student Officer: Squadron Leader GDDP Senarathne
