THE CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF AND THE COMMANDER OF THE ARMY MAKES HIS MAIDEN VISIT TO OCDC

The Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, Lt Gen LHSC Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc paid his first official visit to Officer Career Development Centre on 15th June 2020 upon the invitation by the Commandant.

As per the military traditions, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army was accorded by a Drive Pass and received at the Commandant’s Chalet by the Commandant of OCDC, Major General KJ Jayaweera RWP RSP USP rcds.

The day entailed a series of specific events and the first session took place with the Commandant welcoming the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, Lt Gen LHSC Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc with a noteworthy welcome speech at the Main Auditorium of OCDC. Commander, Security Forces Central, Maj Gen WDCK Costa RSP USP, Director General General Staff Maj Gen B P S de Silva RSP, the Director General Ordinance Service Maj Gen C U Marasinghe RSP USP, the Director General Training Maj Gen I H M N N Herath RSP USP psc, Brigadier Training ARTRAC Brig J M C Jayaweera RSP psc, the Deputy Commandant, Chief Instructor, Senior Instructors, Commanding Officer, Directing Staff and the Permanent Staff of OCDC graced the occasion.

As per the day's proceedings, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army pronounced the OCDC course inauguration by addressing the student officers of Unit Command Course 7 and Junior Command Course 19. Whilst speaking to the gathering, he emphasized the importance of learning for the enhancement of professionalism of officers and maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and discipline.

The next event in line was launching of the maiden "Seminar 2/2019 Transcript" on Countering Violent Extremism; Contemporary Trends and Challenges, which was conducted on 19/20 December 2019 by this esteemed training establishment. The preliminary copy of the transcript was ceremonially handed over to Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army. Next, the eye catching and informative model room on COVID-19, which was set up as per the guidance of the Commandant, was called on and a cordial discussion on the current situation in the country highlighting the outbreak of the pandemic, COVID-19 was held.

Afterwards, his landmark visit was further decorated with the group photograph taken with all the officers as a symbolic gesture of the event.

During the visit, the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army and the dignitaries paid a brief visit to Defence Studies Wing and the model room of Unit Command Course which consisted of course contents and other related course study materials.

In addition, the opening of the newly constructed two storied building for student officers and the "Open Air Wing" building of Officers' Mess added an extra valour for this special day and Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army appreciated the efforts of everyone who had cooperated for the well set up administration within the premises.

Eventually, the interaction session at the Officers' Mess provided the opportunity for the officers of OCDC to interact with this eminent personality and shared good thoughts on past military experiences and the current situation. The culmination of this memorable day was marked with a special buffet arranged at the Officers' Mess.