ARMOUR SYMPOSIUM - 2024

The 'Armour Symposium - 2024' was conducted on 19 July 2024 at the Cavalry Mess, Rock House Camp, focusing on the theme of 'Forging Future Frontiers: Empowering Armour through Evaluation and Innovation'.

Gen G D H Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc MPhil, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Gen L H S C Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, Chief of Defence Staff and Lt Gen H L V M Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army were also present as the guests of honour. Further, the Chief of Staff of the Army, serving and retired Senior Officers, some special invitees from Ministry of Defense and distinguished guests also participated for the occasion.

The symposium aimed to enhance Officers’ knowledge by evaluating the Corps' fighting power, exploring technological advancements, and developing strategies to improve operational effectiveness and human factors. These efforts are crucial in overcoming challenges and deterring future threats to national security.

The "Mini Symposium Culture" within the SLAC units was the brainchild of Maj Gen S W M Fernando WWV RWP RSP USP VSV ndc psc, Commander Security Forces (West) and the Colonel Commandant of Sri Lanka Armoured Corps and it laid the foundation to root the main Symposium successful. The arrangements and the conduct of the event was coordinated by the staff of Armoured Brigade with the close supervision of Brig L K T Fernando RSP USP, the Commander Armoured Brigade.

The event unfolded as follows:

Keynote Speaker: Gen J Jayasuriya (Rtd) RWP RSP VSV USP ndu psc.

Session 1 - Assessing Current Capabilities and Technological Innovations.

Chairperson: Brig B A D R A C Wijeyesekara RSP USACGSC.

Presenters:

Modern Battlefield and Relevance of Armour by Lt Col D P A S A Witharana psc.

Technological Advancement in Armour Design and Manufacturing by Lt Col G I D D Dharmaratne RSP USP USACGSC.

Session 2 - Enhancing Operational Effectiveness and Human Factors.

Chairperson: Col D M G K H De Silva psc.

Presenters:

Tactical Adaptation and Training Enhancements for SLAC Operations by Lt Col D M V M R Dissanayaka RWP RSP psc.

Human Factors and Training for Armoured Warfare by Lt Col U K K W M R A W I A B Kulathunge psc.

This event was a grand success and it was held with prolific lectures and productive discussions.

The Chief Guest, Keynote Speaker and all Speakers were presented with mementos by the Colonel Commandant of SLAC in appreciation of their intellectual assistance.