A contingent of SAARC cadets, headed by Brigadier General S. I. Hossain of Bangladesh, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel R. M. Premadasa and several officers of the National Cadet Corps visited the Navy headquarters on October 17.

The SAARC cadets arre in Sri Lanka to show their solidarity with their Sri Lankan counterparts in view of the Herman Loos and De Zoysa Trophy Assessment Camps conducted annually by the National Cadets Corps at NCC Training Centre in Rantembe. They belong to SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) member countries of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Maldives.

Warmly welcoming the visiting SAARC cadet contingent, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice admiral Thisara Samarasinghe emphasized the importance of discipline, integrity, loyalty, honour and professional excellence for them to take up future responsibilities in their careers. He revealed that the single most reason for him to join the Navy was the inspiration he received while being a school cadet himself. He recalled his association with school cadet movement having risen to its highest position as a Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the 03rd Battalion of the National Cadet Corps in 1973 during his school days.

While thanking them for selecting the Navy Headquarters for their visit during their 10-day stay in Sri Lanka, the Navy Commander called upon them never to aspire for positions but acquire requisite qualifications so that they will be automatically rewarded for their endeavours.

The visiting SAARC cadets were provided with a presentation on the history, role, Naval ships and craft and naval operations of the Sri Lanka Navy. An interactive session was also held providing them the opportunity to ask questions on matters needing further clarification.