Jaffna, Kilinochchi students participate in Rantambe special cadet training programme

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE in Rantambe

Students from the Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts are undergoing a one week special cadet training programme at the Rantambe Cadet Training Centre after 30 years,.

Cadets of the 20 battalion from Jaffna eagerly participating in the cadet training programme at the Rantambe Cadet Training Centre. Picture by Nissanka Wijerathne

The National Cadet Corps has taken steps to offer cadet training for students in the North after 30 years since cadet training helps mould character and produces valuable and resourceful persons in society.

Under the programme, 650 cadets from 25 schoosl are undergoing a complete cadet training programme in Rantambe.

Due to terrorist activities, students from the North and East were not able to undergo cadet training.

On the advice of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the 20 Battalion was established last year based on schools in the North for providing cadet training.

National Cadet Corps Director Maj. Gen. Gamini Jayasundara RWP RSP said that the NCC conducts cadet training camps in Rantambe aiming to mould and create a valuable person who loves the country. Above all, everyone has to dedicate ones self for the country's development. When a person loves the country, he or she will definitely be a law abiding citizen.

He further said that in addition to the 20 Battalion, the fourth battalion from the Kurunegala district is also undergoing training at the cadet camp. Therefore, there is a unique opportunity for the cadets of these two battalions to work together and build a strong mutual understanding.The cadet training programme which commenced last Thursday will conclude today.