TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP: SCHOOL PREFECTS UNDERGO ARMY INSPIRED LEADERSHIP TRAINING AT SECURITY FORCES (EAST)

In a unique and unprecedented initiative taken by Commander Security Forces (East) Major General Prasanna Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG; 23 Infantry Division has conducted a groundbreaking leadership training program for school prefects from Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim backgrounds selected from 11 schools within the Security Forces (East) AOR. The basic objective of this program is to draw inspiration from military principles to instill discipline, teamwork, and effective leadership skills among young children in the area. Further, it is objected to help identify strengths and weaknesses of students and improve effective communication skills among others.

This innovative approach aimed to empower the student leaders with qualities that extend beyond the classroom, preparing them for the challenges of the real world. Further, this approach to promote unity, understanding, and friendship among children of all communities was conducted as a 2-day in-house workshop, and it was conducted at the Battalion Training school of 23 Infantry Division from 21 December 2023 onwards after a brief opening ceremony.

Addressing the brief opening ceremony, Major General Prasanna Guneratne stressed the importance of engaging the young generation in this kind of activities to promote peace, harmony, and coexistence among the young generation, while stimulating their inborn leadership abilities. He further stated that the workshop would serve as a great opportunity for youngsters to become confident, responsible, and effective leaders in the future. Finally, the Security Forces Commander made a request from participants to make use of this opportunity to learn at least a few words from each other’s language and to make cross-cultural friendships.

The opening ceremony was attended by Commander Security Forces (East) Major General Prasanna Gunaratne, General Officer Commanding 23 Infantry Division Major General Nilantha Premarathne, Brigadier General Staff Security Forces (East) Brigadier Deeptha Ariyasena, Training staff of Battalion Training school and School prefects and teachers from the selected schools.

The much-needed financial assistance for the program was provided by the Rev Ebenazer Joseph the Bishop of Methodist Church Sri Lanka with the coordination of “Interfaith Coalition for Peace” on the request made by the Commander Security Forces East.