10th March 2026 10:43:16 Hours
A two-day leadership development workshop was successfully conducted at the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) on 06th and 07th March 2026 at the Sino–Lanka Friendship Auditorium. The programme was organised as a concept of the Commander of the Army, aiming to further enhance leadership standards, professional responsibility and mentoring capabilities within the training establishments such as SLMA. The workshop brought together a distinguished audience, including the Commandant, Deputy Commandant, Wing Heads, senior officers, officers, and officer cadets of the Military Academy. The event created a valuable platform for the participants to share knowledge, strengthen leadership perspectives and reinforce the values expected from future officers of the Sri Lanka Army.
A series of insightful lectures were delivered by several distinguished retired senior officers. Maj Gen MDUV Gunatilleka (Retd) ndu USACGSC conducted a session on “The Officer Instructor as a Leader and a Role Model,” highlighting the responsibility of instructors in shaping future leaders. Maj Gen ULJS Perera (Retd) RSP USP psc presented “Managing, Mentoring and Developing Officer Cadets,” focusing on the importance of guidance and mentorship during military training. Further, enriching the programme, Maj Gen WWHRRVMNDKB Niyangoda (Retd) RWP RSP VSV USP ndu psc delivered a lecture on “Assessment, Fairness and Instructor’s Professional Responsibility.” Maj Gen KADA Karunasekara (Retd) RSP VSV USP ndu psc Msc addressed the topic “Officers’ Identity, Values and the Meaning of the Commission,” emphasising the ethical foundation of military leadership. Maj Gen HCP Goonetilleka (Retd) RSP VSV USP ndc psc spoke on “Discipline, Self-Control and Professional Conduct,” while Brig JMC Jayaweera (Retd) RSP psc concluded the lecture series with “Excelling at SLMA – Leadership, Discipline and Performance within the Academy Environment.”
As a further extension of this initiative, a separate two-day workshop for Non-Commissioned Officers was also conducted to ensure that leadership principles and professional standards are strengthened across all levels of the Academy.
During the programme, Capt YAMW Jinadasa Yapa SLLI led a session on “The SLMA Instructor’s Identity,” emphasising the vital role of instructors in developing future officers and upholding the Academy’s culture. Capt RM Punchibanda RWP RSP USP discussed “Discipline, Drill and Standardisation Excellence,” stressing the importance of consistent standards and discipline. WO 1 S S Senarath Banda highlighted “Physical Training Leadership and Safety Culture,” advocating for safe and effective physical training practices. WO 1 K R V Senevirathna focused on enhancing instructor conduct and cadet management skills, while WO 1 L H T D Sarath Kumara USP emphasised the need for fairness and standardisation in assessing cadet performance.
At the end of each of these valuable sessions, the guest speakers were awarded with the mementoes by the Commandant of SLMA in appreciation of their valuable contributions. The event also featured two fellowship get-together sessions held at the Officers’ Mess and Wadula, fostering camaraderie and professional interaction among participants.
Overall, the workshops were widely regarded as a successful and inspiring initiative, reinforcing the Military Academy’s commitment to producing disciplined, capable and value-driven military leaders for the future.