First-ever symposium for Tri Service middle-grade officers on leadership

The maiden symposium for middle-grade officers on the theme of ‘Military Leadership in the Contemporary World: Evolving from a Warrior to a Friend in Need’ was held yesterday at the BMICH.

The symposium was initiated and organised by the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP NDC PSC MPhil filled all important requirements of a joint training opportunity for Tri Service middle-grade officers.

The Office of the Chief of Defence Staff, the highest military establishment in the country vested with the authority to coordinate with the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence to facilitate the provision of strategic directions, formulation of policies and the maintenance of the optimal operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.

The symposium is aimed to pave the way for an interactive learning experience on areas of Military Leadership in the Contemporary World with the vision of transforming military leadership to effectively manage contemporary national requirements, a task that is of paramount importance for tactical commanders in discharging their duties. The one-day symposium structured for three sessions conducted by veteran speakers, scholars and intellectuals flew through carefully sequenced presentations, panel discussions and participant-oriented group discussions to optimise the discourse on the above theme.

General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Department of Strategic Studies – Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies Senior Lecturer Dr. Sanath De Silva, Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Y.N. Jayarathna RWP & Bar, RSP, USP, NDU, PSC MDS, MHS, Defence Analyst Nilanthan Niruthan, Northern Province Former Governor H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, University of Colombo Faculty of Arts – IR Department Head Dr. Manisha Wanasinghe Pasquel, State Intelligence Service Director-General Major General T.S. Sallay RWP RSP USP NDC PSC,  General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Department of Strategic Studies – Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies Department Head Dr. Harinda Vidanage, University of Colombo Faculty of Arts IR Department Senior Lecturer Dr. George Cooke, and Ministry of Industries Secretary/former Army Commander General (Retd.) R.M.D. Rathnayake WWV RWP RSP VSV NDU PSC joined in the conduct of the symposium, adding their past experiences and the expertise on the theme.

The Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest and all participants at his delivery of the welcome speech. 

The Secretary of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd.) WWV RWP RSP USP NDC PSC MPhil delivered the keynote address, gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest, where Major General Ajith Dissanayake delivered the Vote of Thanks at the culmination of the Symposium, expressing his gratitude on behalf Chief of Defence Staff for all stakeholders who involved in conducting the symposium and the participants who attended the event.