2. MESSAGE FROM THE DEFENCE SECRETARY MINISTRY OF DEFENCE Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa RWP RSP MSc psc Secretary, Ministry of Defence I am pleased to contribute this message for the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) website. The importance of this website is as a means of disseminating information from the Directing Staff to the students and vice versa, whilst also sharing the latest information in the military field with other Staff Colleges around the world. The DSCSC is particularly conscious of its role in developing the middle rank officers of the Armed Services through its focus on scholarly achievements and the realisation of personal potential. This is reflected across the core curriculum. This focus, together with the commitment to excellence exemplified in the traditions of the College, is an important factor in maintaining the high standards of our esteemed Armed Services. I have every confidence that the College will continue to burnish the professional standards of the officers of the Armed Services, and provide them the requisite skills and knowledge to face future challenges with alacrity and confidence.