In a keynote address at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) Course 17 Award Ceremony, President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the imperative of acknowledging the evolving nature of war, where political and military dimensions intertwine. Expressing uncertainty about the unfolding changes, Wickremesinghe underscored their implications for both military and civilian life.
The president emphasized the necessity of adopting a broader international perspective in military education, recognizing the dynamic global landscape. He committed to offering more opportunities for officers from various countries to participate in Sri Lankan courses, noting the diverse international representation among the students.
Wickremesinghe stressed the significance of idea exchange and international interactions, especially in light of profound changes occurring in the present decade. He outlined major geopolitical shifts, predicting new methods, strategies, technologies, and global situations that armed forces worldwide would likely encounter by the decade’s end.
Addressing the rise of Asian armed forces, the president noted their substantial capabilities compared to some Western counterparts. He discussed the implications of technological advancements, Artificial Intelligence, 3D printing, and the transition from fossil fuels. President Wickremesinghe highlighted the importance of studying social, economic, and political issues alongside military strategies.
Delving into the complex and changing nature of conflicts, Wickremesinghe cited ongoing wars and insurgencies. He specifically addressed the conflict in Gaza, emphasizing its political aspects and the global shift in sympathy from Israel to Palestine. The president discussed the unique nature of the war in Gaza, where political strategies and global media play a decisive role, extending battles beyond traditional battlefields into homes through media coverage.
Comparing it to historical events like the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War, President Wickremesinghe noted the political manipulation of war, as seen in tactics employed by groups like Hamas, transcending traditional military considerations.
A total of 148 officers, including 72 from the Sri Lanka Army, 26 from the Sri Lanka Navy, 24 from the Sri Lanka Air Force, 01 from the Sri Lanka Police, 02 from Bangladesh, 03 from India, 02 from Nepal, 02 from Pakistan, 10 from Saudi Arabia, and one each from Indonesia, Maldives, Rwanda, Senegal, the United States of America, and Zambia, completed the course.
During the ceremony, the Commandant of DSCSC, Major General B.K.G.M.L Rodrigo, presented the first copy of the ‘Defence and Security Journal’ published by DSCSC, along with a special memento, to President Wickremesinghe. The President, in turn, presented special awards, the ‘Golden Owl,’ recognizing the most outstanding Sri Lankan and Foreign student officers of each wing, and the ‘Golden Pen,’ awarded to the student officer producing the best commandant’s research paper out of the three wings.
