Sri Lanka’s security forces should be equipped with technological knowledge needed to tackled the threats of the 21st century, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Thursday evening, addressing the General Sir John Kotalawala Defence University Colours Ceremony. President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasised that in the future, war might occur, not only on land, air and sea, but also in cyberspace. He added that our military should be equipped with the necessary knowledge to face such technological warfare.

President Wickremesinghe said discipline, training and knowledge are needed to create a successful army. He added that Sir John Kotalawala Defence University is already fulfilling all these requirements. The President made these comments during a ceremony to present Presidential Colours and University Colours to the General Sir John Kotalawala Defense University.

“Today, Sir John Kotalawala Defence University has gained great fame, at home and abroad. Your potential, as a defence university, has been proved. This university holds significant importance. If an army is led by its commander, that army depends on his leadership. And that army needs discipline. An army cannot advance without discipline. An army can advance only with proper discipline. However, an army cannot be led by discipline alone. Training is required, along with discipline. An army is not successful just because it has discipline and training. That army must have knowledge. It must have military knowledge and local knowledge. Success comes with that knowledge. The leaders here are given discipline, training and knowledge. From there, the army gives leadership to its own battalions and other divisions. Some become military commanders. Others go and work in different sectors, equipped with this degree”.

“At the time some questioned as to why we need such a university as there was no war. However, a few years later, we had to face a war. Hence, this university has developed from the start, thanks to Sir John Kotalawala who donated this premises and to General Derrick Perera the founder member of this university. This university has gained local and international acclaim. Many of the valiant servicemen were products of the KDU. Therefore, we must protect this university. I also urge you to produce more capable officers to our security forces from this university.”

The President said that such universities are needed for a country, adding that at the time the KDU was established there weren’t many defence universities around the world.

“I have looked into the subjects that are taught at this university and they are very good subjects. There are also many excellent lecturers at this university. This is a hidden university. Many people do not know the value of this. But this university is not restricted only to the forces. Civilian students are recruited here. That is very good. Many have been given the opportunity to further their education. Therefore, I do not agree with the criticisms made about this university.” The President also noted that the KDU is not the only university that caters to the development of military officers. “Not only this university, but also a Staff College has been established to provide training to military officers. All these institutions are necessary for our defence education. We must protect all these institutions. The world is changing and in the future we won’t see the sort of war that we have experienced in the past. New technology, new knowledge is developing. Especially the war is not limited to land, air and sea. Cyber technology is also developing. Also, climate change should be taken into consideration when you engage in your duties. This knowledge is what you need. So I wish all of you, who are receiving these colours today, the very best,” President Wickremesinghe said.

Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha, Chief of Staff to the President and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (retired), Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, tri forces commanders, Inspector General of Police, and Chairman of the University Grants Commission Prof. Sampath Amaratunga and special guests, including university Vice Chancellors, attended the event.