The final Passing out Parade of the All Island Eastern Band Challenge Trophy
National Camp – 2026, organized by the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Sri Lanka,
was held with pride and dignity on 12 October 2026 at the National Cadet Corps Training
Centre, Rantambe.
A total of 57 Eastern Band Cadet Platoons, representing 30 battalions from
across the island, participated in the final parade.
Lt Col W.S.N. Withana, CO of the 7th Bn, as the Parade Commander, and Major P.S.K. Kalikotuwa, CO of the 4th Bn, as the Second-in-Command performed duties of the Parade.
In the All Island Girls’ Eastern Band competition, St. Anthony’s Girls’
College, Kandy, representing the 2nd Battalion, secured the overall
championship by winning the Srimathi Sarojini Thevanayagam Challenge Trophy.
Rathnavali Balika Vidyalaya, Gampaha, representing the 7th Battalion, secured
the runner-up position.
The third, fourth and fifth places were secured by Sri Dheerananda Central
College, Pilimathalawa (2nd Battalion), Holy Family Convent, Kurunegala (4th
Battalion), and Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya, Kurunegala (4th Battalion),
respectively.
St. Anthony’s Girls’ College, Kandy, won the Musician Ananda Samarakoon
Shield for Best Music, securing first place in the band performance assessment
among the girls’ platoons.
In the All Island Boys’ Eastern Band competition, Dharmaraja College, Kandy,
representing the 2nd Battalion, emerged as the overall champions by winning the
Captain P.W. Jayathilaka Bandara Challenge Trophy. Vidyartha College, Kandy,
also representing the 2nd Battalion, secured the runner-up position.
The third, fourth and fifth places were awarded to Maliyadeva College,
Kurunegala (4th Battalion), Bandaranayake College, Gampaha (7th Battalion), and
St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy (2nd Battalion), respectively.
Dharmaraja College, Kandy, also won the Musician W.B. Makuloluwa Shield for
Best Music, securing first place in the band performance assessment among the
boys’ platoons.
Mr. Kamal Ariyasinghe, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Education and
Higher Education, attended the event as the Chief Guest. Mr. Kasun Gunaratne,
Deputy Director of the Co-curricular Guidance and Counselling Branch of the
Ministry of Education and Higher Education, responsible for vocational
training, also attended as a Special Guest.
Major General A.K.C.S. de Silva RSP ndc, Director National Cadet Corps along with several
senior officers, also attended the occasion.
The successful conclusion of the All Island Eastern Band Challenge Trophy –
2026 highlighted the dedication, teamwork, discipline and musical talents of
the cadets from all the parts of the island.
The event once again reflected the National Cadet Corps’ commitment to
developing disciplined, confident and responsible young citizens through cadet
training.
Publish Date: 2026-10-14
The final Passing out Parade of the All Island Eastern Band Challenge Trophy National Camp – 2026, organized by the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Sri Lanka, was held with pride and dignity on 12 October 2026 at the National Cadet Corps Training Centre, Rantambe.A total of 57 Eastern Band Cadet Platoons, representing 30 battalions from across the island, participated in the final parade. Lt Col W.S.N. Withana, CO of the 7th Bn, as the Parade Commander, and Major P.S.K. Kalikotuwa, CO of the 4th Bn, as the Second-in-Command performed duties of the Parade.In the All Island Girls’ Eastern Band competition, St. Anthony’s Girls’ College, Kandy, representing the 2nd Battalion, secured the overall championship by winning the Srimathi Sarojini Thevanayagam Challenge Trophy.Rathnavali Balika Vidyalaya, Gampaha, representing the 7th Battalion, secured the runner-up position.The third, fourth and fifth places were secured by Sri Dheerananda Central College, Pilimathalawa (2nd Battalion), Holy Family Convent, Kurunegala (4th Battalion), and Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya, Kurunegala (4th Battalion), respectively.St. Anthony’s Girls’ College, Kandy, won the Musician Ananda Samarakoon Shield for Best Music, securing first place in the band performance assessment among the girls’ platoons.In the All Island Boys’ Eastern Band competition, Dharmaraja College, Kandy, representing the 2nd Battalion, emerged as the overall champions by winning the Captain P.W. Jayathilaka Bandara Challenge Trophy. Vidyartha College, Kandy, also representing the 2nd Battalion, secured the runner-up position.The third, fourth and fifth places were awarded to Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala (4th Battalion), Bandaranayake College, Gampaha (7th Battalion), and St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy (2nd Battalion), respectively.Dharmaraja College, Kandy, also won the Musician W.B. Makuloluwa Shield for Best Music, securing first place in the band performance assessment among the boys’ platoons.Mr. Kamal Ariyasinghe, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, attended the event as the Chief Guest. Mr. Kasun Gunaratne, Deputy Director of the Co-curricular Guidance and Counselling Branch of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, responsible for vocational training, also attended as a Special Guest.Major General A.K.C.S. de Silva RSP ndc, Director National Cadet Corps along with several senior officers, also attended the occasion.The successful conclusion of the All Island Eastern Band Challenge Trophy – 2026 highlighted the dedication, teamwork, discipline and musical talents of the cadets from all the parts of the island. The event once again reflected the National Cadet Corps’ commitment to developing disciplined, confident and responsible young citizens through cadet training.
The Director of the National Cadet Corps, Major General AKCS de Silva RSP ndc, officially visited Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, at the Ministry of Education on 05th October 2026, following his assumption of duties as the Director of the National Cadet Corps. During the meeting, the newly appointed Director discussed with the Secretary regard with the matters pertaining to the National Cadet Corps and its future activities.
Major General A.K.C.S de Silva RSP ndc, the newly appointed Director of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), paid a courtesy call on the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Nilantha Premaratne RSP VSV USP nps psc, at the Army Headquarters on 05 October 2026.
Major General A.K.C.S. de Silva RSP ndc officially assumed duties as the 16th Director of the National Cadet Corps on 05 October 2026 at the National Cadet Corps Headquarters. The newly appointed Director assumed office following a religious ceremony held with the blessings of the Maha Sangha and the chanting of Seth Pirith.During his school career, He showed keen interest and ability in both education and sports. Thereafter he joined the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army on 15 July 1993 and successfully completed Officer Cadet Course No 40 at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa and subsequently he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 07 November 1995 and joined the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment. Over the years, he has held a number of important appointments in the Sri Lanka Army. These include Commander of 233 Infantry Brigade, Head of the Wing at the Directorate of Research, Analysis, Projection and Development, and Commandant of the Combat Training School, Ampara, among other senior appointments. He has also completed a number of local and overseas military courses and also he has served as an United Nations Peacekeeping Observer Officer in Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2006 and 2014 respectively. Alongside his military career, Major General A.K.C.S. de Silva RSP ndc has pursued higher education in several fields. His academic qualifications include, Master’s in Public Administration and Management – University of Colombo, Master’s in Human Rights – University of Colombo, Master’s in Security and Strategic Studies – General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University, Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling – University of Colombo, Senior Level Defense Management – Devi Ahilya University of Indore India and Certificate Course in Health Care in Detention – Thammasat University Bangkok inThailand. He also played a vital role in several major military operations conducted against LTTE terrorism, including Riviresa, Kinihira, Ranagosa and Jayasikuru. In recognition of his bravery and service on the battlefield, he was awarded the Ranasoora Medal on three occasions. Following his assumption of duties, the new Director addressed officers, cadets and civilian staff at the Headquarters Auditorium and he emphasized the importance of working together to achieve the objectives and vision of the Corps. The members of the National Cadet Corps who attended the occasion warmly welcomed the newly appointed Director and extended their best wishes as he begins his new responsibilities. The National Cadet Corps extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to Major General A.K.C.S. de Silva RSP ndc as he assumes duties as the 16th Director of the National Cadet Corps.
The “Sadesa Tharunu Abhiman – 2026” Inter-Provincial Youth Exchange Programme, organised with the objective of promoting the exchange of religious, cultural and social experiences, attitudes and skills among Cadet Boys and Girls, was successfully held from 29 July to 02 August 2026, centred in Clappenberg, Trincomalee.
The programme was conducted under the guidance and direction of the Director of the National Cadet Corps, Major General APCR Premathilaka RSP USP ndc, together with senior officers of the National Cadet Corps. A total of 350 Cadet Boys and Girls representing the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities, along with 50 Cadet Officers and Officer Instructors, representing all provinces of Sri Lanka, participated in the programme.
The key objectives of the programme were to strengthen cooperation among different ethnic communities, identify barriers to reconciliation, develop an understanding of the cultural characteristics of different communities, promote effective communication and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences among participants. The programme also aimed to nurture a generation of young people who respect all communities and religions while appreciating diversity and promoting national unity.
A wide range of activities was organised throughout the programme, including soft skills development programmes, outdoor and leadership activities, recreational programmes, cultural performances, a movie screening, musical programmes, walks and band displays, dining etiquette sessions and boat rides.
As part of the programme, a special community cleaning initiative titled “Shramabhimani” was also launched in the Eastern Province with the active participation of Cadet Boys and Girls representing all parts of the country. The initiative was conducted in collaboration with the Clean Sri Lanka National Programme, providing the young participants with an opportunity to contribute towards environmental conservation and community responsibility.
The Opening Ceremony was held on 30 July 2026 at the Auditorium of St. Joseph’s College, Trincomalee, under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Defence Major General K.P. Aruna Jayasekara (Retired) WWV RSP VSV USP ndc psc.
The Closing Ceremony was held on 02 August 2026 under the patronage of the Governor of the Eastern Province, Professor Jayanthalal Ratnasekera.
The success of the programme was further strengthened by the invaluable support extended by the Tri-Forces, Sri Lanka Police, National Youth Corps, government and private sector institutions, and the people of the Eastern Province.
The programme served as a significant platform for bringing together young people from diverse communities, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the values of national unity, reconciliation, cooperation and peaceful coexistence. Through shared experiences and meaningful interaction, “Sadesa Tharunu Abhiman – 2026” contributed towards nurturing a young generation committed to building a united and harmonious Sri Lanka.
National Cadet Corps (NCC) joined the national celebrations of the Poson Festival at Anuradhapura. Cadets and officers from the 4th, 5th, 13th, and 23rd Battalions joined the Poson Devotional Songs (Bhakthi Gee) session named "Sawana Rashmi Dhara". The performance took place on 29th June 2026, from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, in front of the sacred Sandahiru Seya in Anuradhapura. The Director of the NCC and Provincial Educational Heads of the North Central Province also participated in this event.
A special "Dansala" (almsgiving stall) was organized by the cadets in the car park of the Sandahiru Seya. The initiative was held to serve and welcome the massive crowds of devotees who had traveled to Anuradhapura to worship the sacred stupa during the Poson festive season.
On 28 April 2026, a Pirith Chanting Ceremony was conducted at the Headquarters of the National Cadet Corps to invoke the blessings of the Triple Gems for the Corps, which celebrates its majestic legacy of 145 years. An elegant procession with traditional dancing troops from the 3rd, 9th, and 26th Battalions led the Maha Sangha to the venue. The Chief Incumbent of Sri Sudharshanaramaya, Kalubowila, conducted the religious observances and dedicated merit to all the fallen officers of the NCC and the cadets who made their supreme sacrifice for the sovereignty of the Motherland. The Director of the National Cadet Corps, Major General APCR Premathilaka RSP USP ndc, along with a few distinguished former Directors, also graced the occasion.
National Cadet Corps has today spread to all parts of Sri Lanka with 29 boys battalion and 9 girls battalions involving over 3000 school and same 85,000 cadets and over 3000 officers in the senior and junior divisions of the corps. In the process of development through the years its objectives too have changed, not only its name.
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