Defence Services Command and Staff College Delegation Successfully Undertakes International Collaboration Study Package in Türkiye

A 20-member delegation from the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), Sri Lanka, headed by Air Commodore Nipuna Thanippuliarachchi, is currently undertaking the International Collaboration Study Package (DDICSP) – 2026 in Türkiye from 27 July to 09 August 2026. The study programme, organized by the Turkish authorities with the facilitation and close coordination of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara, forms part of the overseas component of DSCSC Course No. 20, enabling middle-grade Tri-Service officers to gain exposure to international defence institutions, strategic studies and defence industrial capabilities.

The DDICSP has provided the Sri Lankan officers with an extensive professional learning experience through visits to key military headquarters, defence educational institutions and leading defence industries in both Istanbul and Ankara, providing participants with comprehensive exposure to Türkiye’s defence establishment, technological advancements and military education system. The programme has also incorporated visits to historically significant sites, including Anıtkabir, Topkapı Palace, Gallipoli (Çanakkale) and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, enabling the officers to gain a deeper appreciation of Türkiye’s rich history, military heritage and cultural legacy.

As part of the official programme, the delegation paid a visit to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara on 04 August 2026.  During the visit, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Türkiye, Niluka Kadurugamuwa,  briefed the delegation comprehensively  on the rapidly expanding  relations between Sri Lanka and Türkiye, highlighting recent developments in political engagement, defence cooperation, trade and investment, tourism, education, cultural exchanges and people-to-people connectivity. He also apprised the delegation of the Embassy’s efforts to promote Sri Lanka’s national interests in Türkiye and the Mission’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen institutional partnerships with Turkish government agencies, and the private sector.

The briefing was followed by a productive interactive discussion during which the officers exchanged views with the Ambassador on contemporary regional and global security developments, defence diplomacy and the growing opportunities for professional military cooperation between Sri Lanka and Türkiye. The engagement enabled the participants to gain valuable insights into the strategic importance of defence diplomacy and the role played by Sri Lanka’s overseas missions in advancing national interests. In the evening, the Ambassador hosted an official dinner in honour of the delegation, providing a further opportunity for cordial interaction and exchange of professional perspectives.

The International Collaboration Study Package (DDICSP) – 2026 represents an important milestone in defence relations between Sri Lanka and Türkiye. Through direct engagement with Türkiye’s military, defence institutions and internationally recognised defence industries, the programme is expected to contribute to enhancing the professional knowledge of Sri Lanka’s future military leaders while creating new avenues for defence cooperation, military education, technological collaboration and strategic dialogue between the armed forces of the two friendly nations.