By Indika Wickramaratne
"Specialised training provided by colleges such as the one inaugurated will no doubt help establishing a peaceful country in the very near future," said President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumara-tunga at the inauguration of the Army Command and Staff Training College (ACSTC) on Friday.

The inauguration of the ACSTC at Sapu-gaskanda, Makola was attended by Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, Deputy Defence Minister, Gen. Anuruddha Ratwatte, British High Commissioner David Tatham, Commander of the Army Gen. Rohan Daluwatte and several others.

President Kumara-tunga said that she has " no doubt that the training that will be carried out in this college will enhance the attitudes, skills and aptitudes of the members of the armed forces." The President added that the coaching provided by the College will bring about an " even more effective and courageous body which could take the leadership together with the politicians and help in rebuilding a new and peaceful country, which we hope to do in the very near future."

President Kumara-tunga said that the present government would do its best in order to bridge the shortcomings and give the maximum possible logistical support and facilities to the armed forces in order for them to carry out their duties in the best possible atmosphere.

The President observed that with the commencement of the civil war, the nation’s armed forces had to be increased yearly. "We have been compelled to increase the number of personnel in order to face the challenge posed to the government and the people by the civil war situation." She said that she was confident that with the training provided by the ACSTC, more efficient and successful military campaigns could be conducted.

Although the figures presented show a definite lack in the number of officers who have undergone proper staff training, the President said that it is indeed commendable that successful military campaigns have been launched, despite the lack of proper training.

The Army Command and Staff Training College conducts a residential course for a duration of approximately ten months. The course which commences in mid-February covers 23 distinct groups of studies. Students who successfully adhere to the very high professional standard will be awarded the coveted title ‘passed staff college’ at a graduation ceremony on the completion of the course. According to Commandant of the ACSC, Major General A. E. D. Wijendra, work is currently underway to affiliate the Staff College with the University of Kelaniya. Once this step has been completed and if the dissertations written by the students meet the required standard layed down by the University, the students will be awarded a Master of Science Degree in Defence Studies.

Secretaries of Ministries, Service Commanders, past Army Commanders, members of diplomatic corps were among those present at the inauguration ceremony.