The second convocation for award of Diplomas to 43 serving officers at the country’s most prestigious Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) at Diyatalawa, now earmarked to be recognized as a full-fledged University, took place Saturday (23) morning with the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, gracing the occasion as Chief Guest.
The day’s proceedings commenced as graduates in procession walked to the auditorium, to be followed by the arrival of the SLMA Commandant, Brigadier Ruwan Kulatunge and Prof Mahinda Rupasinghe, Vice Chancellor at University of Sabaragamuwa and other distinguished guests. Lieutenant General Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army on arrival at the venue was received by the SLMA Commandant and conducted to the stage as the staff procession concluded.
A two-minute silence to honour fallen War Heroes and late SLMA veterans followed then after the Nation was honoured with the national anthem. Vice Chancellor Rupasinghe afterwards formally declared the Diploma Awarding ceremony opened for the conferment of Diplomas.
The stage was set for the officers to receive the Diplomas from the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya at the invitation of the Vice Chancellor and the SLMA Commandant.
43 serving officers in the ranks of Captains and Lieutenants, belonging to officer cadet intakes 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 and 59 who have completed their two-year Diploma in Military Studies programme at the SLMA, the academic institute, affiliated to the University of Sabaragamuwa, received their credentials from the Commander of the Army during this colourful and magnificent parade.
In addition, the memory of 3 officers who have successfully followed the Diploma, but perished in the name of the Motherland during the peak of separatist terrorism, was posthumously honoured at the same occasion with a special tribute, proclaimed to the august assembly.
Lieutenant General Jayasuriya, the Chief Guest appeared deeply touched as parents of those three War Heroes who had made the supreme sacrifice, showed up before him, as the Army Chief, to receive the prestigious accolades on behalf of their fallen beloved sons, real heroes of our times. The occasion turned rather solemn as those parents burst into tears while receiving certificates recalling cherished memories, related to their precious loved ones.
The convocation ceremony was attended by many Senior Officers in the Army, parents and next of kin of Diploma recipients. A special memento was presented to the visiting Commander as the ceremony drew to a close.
Lieutenant General Jayasuriya during his brief address to the occasion spoke high of the contribution hitherto made by the SLMA for grooming a thorough officer cum gentleman.
Here is the full text of his speech:
The Vice Chancellor Prof Mahinda S Rupasinghe, Deans of faculties and the staff of the Sabaragamuwa University, Senior Officers of the Army, Commandant and the staff of The Sri Lanka Military Academy, distinguished invitees, parents, Diploma recipients, Ladies and Gentlemen.
This successive second Diploma Awarding ceremony marks a momentous milestone in the history of the Sri Lanka Military Academy in terms of achieving the institute’s focused objectives in a bid to contribute to the excellence of the Army and the prosperity of the country. The Sri Lanka Military Academy has produced many distinguished Officers with profound leadership traits who have been able to show the metal of their courageous willpower to achieve distinctive goals. Their immaculate great service has been praised and appreciated all over the world. The standard of the prestigious Sri Lanka Military Academy is always judged by these achievements - the greatest of all for centuries will be the elimination of terrorism from our country in May last year.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is of paramount importance for armed forces personnel to possess knowledge on diverse subjects. It is nothing but Military professionalism that will make a difference in the Sri Lanka Army from other Armies in the world.
We all know that learning is a cumbersome process and all learned people labour through many hardships to gain knowledge. The instructional staff of any academic institution could inspire very little in the learner - mind you the major portion is perspiration by the individual. It is always hard work that guarantees success and brings about tangible results. With this hard-earned knowledge you will be capable of guiding your subordinates who in turn will steer their subordinates and so guarantee the continuity of knowledge and much-valued military traditions and customs. Also the Officer cadre of our Army ought to be highly knowledgeable to stand on par with Officers of other countries since you will be getting multiple opportunities to interact with them either while visiting or following courses in those countries.
In the present post-war era the armed forces personnel need to be geared to take up unprecedented challenges in reconciliation, rehabilitation and resettlement of devastated Northern and Eastern Provinces of the country. The challenges are enormous. We as armed forces’ personnel shoulder greater responsibility in this gigantic task. All of you should feel the pulse of the nation, the true needs of the country, your responsibility as citizens and your prime responsibility as Officers of the Sri Lanka Army. You should be mindful that we have come to an era of transformed roles and tasks in a changed environment with the culmination of the 30 year long war.
The entire country has come to a greener pasture, every one is looking forward to economic prosperity, harmony and ever – lasting peace. Tomorrow’s Army will be different from yester years combat – ridden Army. So, It will be very vital to be equipped with military expertise and academic knowledge in as many disciplines as possible in order to efficiently discharge the duties expected by the Commander in Chief of Armed Forces, HE the President. We have to fathom the value of being knowledgeable in the 21st Century and the value of being professional to stand upright amidst technologically advancing Armies all around the world.
In keeping with this global theme the Sri Lanka Military Academy is at the threshold preparing the young Officers for the future requirements of the Army and the Country. It is our duty and responsibility to educate them and award them with recognized qualifications, especially standardized by a national university of the country, while grooming and moulding them to be worthy Officers and gentlemen of the Sri Lanka Army.
I should express my sincere thanks and gratefulness to the Vice Chancellor, the Academic Advisor, Deans of faculties and the staff of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka and the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Military Academy and his dedicated staff for the untiring efforts taken together to uplift the educational standards and brighten the future prospects of the Officer cadre of the Sri Lanka Army.
The Military Academy is doing a tremendous task in unison with the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka and I have no hesitation in felicitating the two institutions for a wonderful job done.
I also wish that officers who are receiving their diploma today will thrive hard and educate themselves further in order to achieve other Post Diploma Academic qualifications which will be useful in your future career.
I would like to felicitate the Diploma recipients and the parents of those four Officers who sacrificed their precious lives for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our beloved motherland. May I also express my gratitude to their parents who are here for being brave to enlist their sons in the Army at the most crucial time of our country.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you the best of luck in all your future endeavours.
Thank You !
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