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.
Major General A.K.C.S. de Silva studied at K/ Rajaguru Sri Subhuthi Maha Vidyalaya , Kalutara Tissa Central College and Panadura Sri Sumangala College.
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, Indore, India
Certificate Course in Health Care in Detention – Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand
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.
Publish Date: 2026-10-09
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. Major General A.K.C.S. de Silva studied at K/ Rajaguru Sri Subhuthi Maha Vidyalaya , Kalutara Tissa Central College and Panadura Sri Sumangala College. 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, Indore, India Certificate Course in Health Care in Detention – Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand 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.
Major General A K C S de Silva RSP ndc who was appointed as the new Director of the National Cadet Corps, officially received his Letter of Appointment by Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) WWV RWP RSP USP MMSc(Strat Stu-China) MSc(Def Stu) in Mgt,MSc (Def & Strat Stu) Fndu (China) psc, on 1st October 2026 at the Ministry of Defence. By that time Major General A K C S de Silva RSP ndc had been acting as the deputy director of National Cadet Corps,Sri Lanka.
A special ceremony to extend congratulations to the Deputy Director of the National Cadet Corps, Major General A.K.C.S. de Silva RSP ndc, on his promotion to the rank of Major General, was held on the morning of 22 September 2026 at the National Cadet Corps Headquarters premises. The Headquarters premises had been prepared to welcome Major General A.K.C.S. de Silva RSP ndc, and the ceremony included a Guard Turn-Out and a Street Line Salute presented by the cadets. During the ceremony, Major General A.K.C.S. de Silva RSP ndc was warmly greeted and extended heartfelt congratulations by the Chief Staff Officers, Staff Officers, Other Ranks and civilian staff members who had gathered in front of the Headquarters premises. The occasion was a significant event as officers, Other Ranks, civilian staff and cadets extended their best wishes to the Deputy Director of the National Cadet Corps, who had been promoted to the rank of Major General. On 21 September 2026, at the Army Headquarters, the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Nilanta Premarathna RSP USP nps psc, presented the Insignia of Rank to Major General A.K.C.S. de Silva RSP ndc and extended his congratulations on the occasion of his promotion.
A cordial gathering was held at the National Cadet Corps Headquarters to mark the conclusion of the tenure of Major General A.P.C.R. Prematilake RSP USP ndc, who served as the Director of the National Cadet Corps from March 26, 2025, to September 3, 2026. Concurrently, a dinner was hosted at the Regimental Centre of the Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (SLEME) in Kompannaweediya. Senior officers including the Deputy Director of the National Cadet Corps, Brigadier A.K.C.S. de Silva RSP ndc, as well as senior officers from headquarters, Commandants of training centers, Provincial Deputy Directors, Battalion Commanders, and headquarters staff officers, participated in this event. The guidance and leadership provided by Major General A.P.C.R. Premathilaka RSP USP ndc during his tenure as the Director of the National Cadet Corps—specifically regarding the discipline, leadership, skills, and personality development of the cadets—will be recognized as a significant contribution to the future advancement 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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