State Minister of Defence, Hon Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, with the vision of enhancing cadeting in Matale District
Addressed the Directors of Education, Principals, Cadet Master in Charge Teachers of Schools and Cadet Corps Officers of Matale District, today, the 20th of April at the District Secretariat Auditorium.

Initially Director NCC Brig Sudantha Fonseka and PSOs of HQ NCC welcomed the State Minister and accompanied him to the auditorium. Subsequently Director, NCC introduced the Minister to the forum.

During the address, while appreciating the present work of the Cadet Corps, the State Minister emphasized the importance of enhancing cadeting in schools in Matale and the way forward plan to establish a second training camp for the benefit of cadets of Northern and Eastern Provinces.

The State Minister also emphasized the importance of inculcating good values and habits in students who opt to chase after academic studies only. The importance of learning English and maintaining a pleasing personality by the future leaders was emphasized. The necessity of changing the syllabus of cadets to cope with the dynamic world, giving priority to technology and creativity was also elaborated by the Minister. He emphasized on the importance of increasing the number of cadet platoons in Matale District to 20%, which is 3% at present.

After the minister’s address, Commanding Officer of 13th Battalion Lt Col Gamini Ratnayake presented mementos to the state Minister, and Director NCC, Brigadier GS Fonseka USP psc, marking the nostalgic memories of the Minister’s visit to 13 Battalion area.
District Secretary-Matale and the Zonal Directress of Education-Matale graced this important event.

From NCC Headquarters, Brigadier Admin and Quartering, Inspector of Training, Brigadier Corps Secretary, and Brigadier Training, attended this official event.

Prior to the departure, the State Minister joined a group photograph with all participants.