Ministry of Defence  – Media Centre

‘The National Youth Hero Award’ will be introduced through the National Cadet Corps (NCC) to honour the emerging Sri Lankan young heroes. The intention behind this move is to groom the youth to be dynamic, versatile and disciplined citizens with extraordinary leadership qualities to face utmost challenges in the future society’.

The Acting Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon made these remarks while gracing as the Chief Guest of the Passing Out Parade of Probationary Officers (POs) Intake 41 of the NCC at its Rantembe Training Centre yesterday (Dec 01).

64 POs including 10 Lady Officers who were enlisted from all provinces of Sri Lanka to the NCC in 2022 and underwent NCC training received their commission yesterday in the rank of Second Lieutenant.

Symbolizing the authority and power vested on them to cater to the requirement of the nation, the commissioning swords were presented by the Chief Guest to the POs during the ceremony for the first time in the 142 years of NCC history.

Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Saman Dissanayake, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force Air Vice Marshal Waruna Gunawardana, NCC Director Brigadier Sudantha Fonseka, NCC Training Centre Commandant Colonel R.M. Premathilaka, Tri Forces Officers, Principals and parents attended the event.