Defence Secretary graces Armour Symposium - 2024

Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne graced the Armour Symposium - 2024 organized by the Regiment of the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC), held today (July 19) at the Banquet Hall of the Cavalry Mess, Rock House Camp in Colombo as the Chief Guest.

This year's Symposium was held under the theme of "Forging Future Frontiers: Empowering Armour Through Evaluation and Innovation". The aim of the Symposium was to bring together experts, scholars, and enthusiasts in the field of armour to discuss and exchange knowledge on various aspects of armour capabilities and technology.

Upon arrival at the SLAC premises, he was warmly received by the Colonel Commandant of SLAC, Major General Mahendra Fernando, and ushered to the Symposium.

Former Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, General Jagath Jayasuriya (Retd), delivered the Keynote Address at the Symposium.

The Defence Secretary, addressing the audience, which comprised former military personalities who have immensely served the nation, highlighted the significance of the human element of the service, the brave officers and soldiers, the backbone of our armoured forces.

He stated, "We must ensure that our training programs not only teach technical skills but also develop the cognitive abilities and decision-making skills necessary for modern armoured warfare."

"Developing our personnel to operate effectively under the extreme stress of combat and creating leaders who can make split-second decisions in complex, ambiguous situations are essential pathways to generate an exceptional breed of human capital in the field of armour," the Defence Secretary added.

The Defence Secretary also emphasized that the discussions and ideas shared at the symposium have real-world implications for our national security and the safety of the members of the armed forces, emphasizing the importance of always keeping in mind the ultimate purpose of our efforts - to protect our nation and its people.

The Chief Guest and the Keynote Speaker were presented with mementos during the session.

Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, eminent scholars, serving and retired senior officers of the Sri Lanka Army and distinguished guests were present at the occasion.