Commander of the Navy graces National Defence College Research Symposium – 2023

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, as the Chief Guest, graced the National Defence College (NDC) Research Symposium – 2023, held at the Auditorium of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University on 02nd November 2023. The theme of the research symposium was “Strategizing Security Challenges in a Dynamic Environment”.

As the highest seat of learning for senior officers, NDC functions with a vision of developing future policy makers of the Tri-Services, Police and Public Service, on national security and strategic studies. The purpose of this year's research symposium was to highlight the research capabilities of the senior officers following the Course No. 2 of National Defence College. The Guest Lecture of the symposium was delivered by Judge of the Supreme Court, Hon. Yasantha Kodagoda.

Addressing the august gathering, Commander of the Navy at the outset said that he was delighted to be present at the event, as the Chief Guest and expressed his profound gratitude to the Commandant NDC, Major General Senarath Yapa, for extending an invitation.

Adding further, he expressed that security challenges had become increasingly complex and multidimensional, in today's rapidly changing world. Also, he noted that traditional notions of security have expanded beyond military concerns to encompass a wide range of non-traditional threats. Moreover, Commander of the Navy pointed out that Sri Lanka had also demonstrated resilience and determination in overcoming these challenges and charting a path towards peace, stability, and development. He also underlined that it was crucial to have a deep understanding of the evolving nature of these challenges, to effectively strategize security challenges in a dynamic environment. To this end, investments in research and development, technological innovation, and capacity-building are essential, the Navy Chief opined. Moreover, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera underlined the importance of international cooperation in addressing security challenges as no nation can single-handedly tackle all the security threats it faces.

Finally, he mentioned that this symposium had established a platform for high-ranking members of the military, police, and government administration to participate in valuable conversations regarding security issues.

Meanwhile, Commandant NDC, Major General Senarath Yapa presented a memento to the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, signifying the importance of this occasion. Vice Chancellor General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, senior officers from the tri-services and a group of distinguished guests were also present on this occasion.