Pakistani Officer clinches Best Foreign Officer Army Award in DSCSC Course in Sri Lanka

The Graduation Ceremony of Defence Services Command and Staff College Course No 6 was held at the Temple Trees Colombo on 20 December 2012, where Pakistan Army Officer Major Muhammad Taimur Ashraf psc received the best Foreign Student Army award in the course.

The honorable Minister for External Affairs of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Prof G L Peiris graced the Graduation Ceremony of the Defence Services Command and Staff College as the chief guest.

The Chief Guest Honourable Prof G L Peiris awarded the Golden Owl award to Major Muhammad Taimur Ashraf in recognition of his talents as the best Foreign Student in the course. It was a unique and singular honour for the Pakistan Army officer who kept the flag of his country high as always.  

 The Defence Services Command and Staff College Sapugaskanda is one of the most prestigious institutions of the region and highest seat of learning in Sri Lanka. The Course No 6 Commenced on 03 January 2012 and terminated on 20 December 2012. A total of 103 officers, representing 56 officers from the Army, 19 officers from the Navy, 17 officers from the Air Force and 11 officers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, India and Sudan were graduated on this occasion.

Mr Lalith Weeratunga Secretary to HE the President, Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa RWP RSP psc MSc the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence & Urban Development, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Commanders of the Army, Navy and Air Force, Additional Secretary (Development) of  Ministry of Defence & Urban Development Mrs. Hasitha K Balasooriya, The Vice Chancellor  of Kotelawala Defence University Major General M P Peiris RWP RSP USP ndc, Additional Director General Department of State Accounts Ministry of Finance & Planning Mr M M Saliya were present at this function. Former Commanders, Foreign delegations and distinguish guests also participated attended for this Ceremony.

Since independence, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have consistently maintained close, cordial and mutually supportive relations especially in the field of defense. Both nations have assisted each other during testing times in their history.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have comprehensive and mutually beneficial training collaboration for Army, Navy and Air Force. Over a period of time, a strong bond of commitment and mutual understanding has been reached between both the friendly armed forces. In future too, both the brotherly countries are expected to work more closely in the field of defence to boost peace efforts in the region.