Students should aspire to be leaders and professionals - Defence Secretary

by L.S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

Students should aspire for leadership roles and professionalism in their fields so that they could contribute to the country's development drive said, Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The International Symposium 2012 of the Kotalawala Defence University (KDU) was held recently at the campus. Here the chief guest Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and the Vice Chancellor of KDU Major Gen. Milinda Peiris light the oil lamp to inaugurate the symposium. Pic: Wehella Piyathilake, Maharagama Spl. Corr.

In this speech at the annual convocation of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS) at the BMICH, he said that Sri Lanka needs educated youth to expedite the current development drive.

Students who had successfully completed their Diploma, Higher Diploma, and Post Graduate Diploma in International. Relations were awarded certificates.

The Defence Secretary said that the security forces played a critical role in looking after the welfare of the internally displaced persons.

The Government faces a number of challenges in the rebuilding of the country after the war and it was the security forces who weathered the impact of such challenges.

"The Government upgraded all infrastructure facilities under the "Northern Spring" and normalcy was restored soon after the war on terrorism".

He said Two American researchers of the Maryland University in the USA commended the rehabilitation program of the Government".

Every opportunity has been provided to the people to live a normal life in a peaceful environment.

Their livelihood levels have been upgraded due to ample opportunities provided for agricultural pursuits, business and job opportunities, the secretary said.

The BCIS board of studies chairman Rajah Kuruppu, BCIS Director Prof. W. I. Siriweera, BCIS Board members and staff were presuit. See also page9