Commander of the Navy delivers guest lecture to Course No. 17 student officers of DSCSC

At an invitation of Commandant Defence Services Command & Staff College (DSCSC), Major General Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera on 04th December 2023 addressed the student officers of Course No. 17 of DSCSC, Sapugaskanda.

DSCSC Course No. 17 comprises a diverse cohort of 148 student officers, featuring 72 from the Army, 26 from the Navy, 24 from the Air Force, and one from the Police. Additionally, the course includes 25 foreign officers representing countries such as Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, the United States, and Zambia.

Upon his arrival, Commander of the Navy was warmly received by Commandant DSCSC, Major General Lasantha Rodrigo and ushered him for the rest of the proceedings. Meanwhile, the theme of Commander of the Navy’s address was ‘Maritimization: Quest for a Viable Maritime Strategy and Sri Lanka Navy’.

In his address to the student officers of the Defence Services Command & Staff College, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, underscored the critical importance of understanding Sri Lanka's maritime heritage. Delving into the nation's rich maritime history, he emphasized the strengths and vulnerabilities associated with the strategic location of the island in the Indian Ocean. Commander of the Navy also articulated the pressing maritime security threats faced by the country, shedding light on the potential national security challenges emanating from the sea. Therefore, he outlined strategies for effectively addressing these threats, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to safeguarding Sri Lanka's interests.

Moreover, Commander of the Navy highlighted the ongoing quest for a robust maritime strategy, underscoring the significance of adapting to evolving challenges in the dynamic geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean region. Further, he enlightened student officers emphasizing the significance of the blue economy, maritime industry, and maritime economy for sustainable development and national prosperity. This insightful address provided valuable insights for the future military leaders, fostering a deeper understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of Sri Lanka's maritime security.

Chief Instructor (Navy) at Defence Services Command & Staff College, Rear Admiral Thushara Karunathunga, Deputy Commandant, Brigadier AP Wickramasekara, Chief Instructor (Army), Brigadier Subath Sanjeewa, Brigadier Coordinating, Brigadier WS Gamage, Chief Instructor (Air Force), Air Commodore SD Jayaweera, academic and directing staff and student officers of course no. 17 were also present on this occasion.

Signifying the importance of this occasion, Commander of the Navy and Commandant DSCSC exchanged mementoes as well. Further, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera left his remarks in the visitors’ book, before he took leave from the premises.