OPENING ADDRESS BY THE COMMANDANT TO OFFICER CADETS OF SC 24

The Commandant of the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Major General MJRS Medagoda RSP USP ndc psc IG delivered the opening address to the newly enrolled Officer Cadets of the Short Course 24 on 21 October 2025 at the Sino-Lanka Friendship Auditorium.

The event was attended by the Deputy Commandant, Wing Heads, Senior Officers, Officers, Other Rank Instructors, and the Officer Cadets of SC 24.

In his address, the Commandant warmly welcomed the new officer cadets to the cradle of military leadership and emphasized that their journey at the Academy marks the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding path of transformation. He urged the young cadets to take pride in being among the chosen few entrusted with the noble duty of defending the motherland, reminding them that from this day forward, their conduct must reflect discipline, integrity, and total commitment to service.

Highlighting the responsibilities of the institution, the Commandant affirmed that the Academy remains committed to providing the finest military training, academic instruction, and moral guidance to develop competent, confident, and compassionate leaders. He reiterated that the SLMA, in line with its mission, vision, and objectives, continues to produce officers of character those who are intellectually sound, physically robust, emotionally stable, and morally upright.

He further reminded the cadets of the core values of the Sri Lanka Army, Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honour, Integrity, and Personal Courage and the importance of living by these principles every day. "Leadership is not a position; it is a responsibility earned through trust, service, and sacrifice," he stated, encouraging the cadets to build strong habits and values that will guide them as future platoon commanders.

Concluding his address, the Commandant urged the cadets to approach every challenge with courage and humility, to learn from their instructors, support one another, and uphold the noble traditions of the profession of arms. He wished them strength, wisdom, and determination to complete their training successfully and with pride.