College course firms bonds with Sri Lanka

As part of a reciprocal arrangement, Maj Martin Hadley completed the Sri Lankan Army’s 13-week Junior Command Course recently at the Army War College in Buttala.

A public affairs officer posted to Headquarters Forces Command, Maj Hadley said the course primarily covered conventional defensive and offensive operations at battle group level, and counter-insurgency operations.

The course is a mandatory step for Sri Lankan officers to attend the Sri Lankan Defence Staff and Command College.

Seventy-eight participants, including three foreign officers – one each from the Australian Army, the Pakistan Army, and the Maldives Defence Force, as well as a Sri Lankan Navy officer – attended the course.

Senior instructor of the course, Col KY Priyadarshana, said each iteration included foreign officers from many nations.

“Allocating places for foreign officers on every Junior Command Course is a cornerstone of the Sri Lanka Army's defence engagement strategy,” he said.

“Hosting international officers, including those from partner nations like Australia, strengthens bilateral military ties while laying the foundation for long-term professional networks and personal friendships.”

ADF Adviser to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Col Amanda Johnston, said education and training were key pillars in defence relations with Sri Lanka.

“Each year, approximately 30 personnel from Sri Lanka’s tri-forces are selected to attend courses in Australia, and it’s great that, in return, ADF members have the chance to attend select reciprocal courses in Sri Lanka,” Col Johnston said. 

“This enables increased Indian Ocean literacy in our force.”

Maj Hadley highly recommended attendance at the Junior Command Course for Australian Army officers.

“The Sri Lanka Army is extremely professional, highly disciplined and its officers are proud and motivated,” he said.