Officers’ Capacity Building at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University: A Platform for Growth and Dialogue

General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University hosted its Officers’ Training Day, an event dedicated to fostering learning, dialogue, and professional development among officers. The programme aimed to provide participants with opportunities to enhance their knowledge, leadership skills, and camaraderie through a series of structured activities.

The day began with a physical training session comprising a variety of fitness exercises. Following this, three thought-provoking lectures were conducted at the Faculty of Graduate Studies Auditorium.

The first session was conducted by Captain (L) Tharanga Hettiarachchi, Head of the Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Telecommunication Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering. His lecture, titled “Electrical Safety and Best Practices to Reduce Utility Bills,” was highly interactive. The insights he shared on reducing utility costs significantly enhanced the officers’ practical knowledge.

Dr. Upali Rajapaksha, Head of the Department of Management and Finance at the Faculty of Management, Social Sciences, and Humanities, delivered the second session on “Financial Literacy.” His lecture provided valuable insights into financial concepts and discipline, highlighting how financial literacy can improve the stability and preparedness of officers.

The third session was conducted by Lieutenant Chirath Ranasinghe from the Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies. His presentation, “The Importance of Communication: The Vital Role of Communication in an Organization and Its Impact on the Proper Functioning of a Military Organization,” effectively emphasized how communication is essential to the success and efficiency of military operations. The session was engaging and informative.

Following the intellectual sessions, officers gathered on the university grounds for recreational games. These activities promoted enthusiasm, teamwork, and bonding, further strengthening the sense of community within the university.

The final segment of the programme was the Diners’ Club session, led by Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (Dr.) Ajith Rohana. His discourse on “Concerns of National Security” provided officers with a comprehensive overview of the evolving security landscape from emerging global threats and regional tensions to the importance of inter-agency collaboration and technological readiness.

The Training Day at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University successfully blended physical endurance, intellectual enrichment, and recreational engagement. It contributed meaningfully to the holistic capacity building of officers and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to excellence in education and professional development.