July 31 marked the 1st anniversary of the founding of People’s Liberation Army National Defence University Alumni Association of Sri Lanka (NDUAASL). This is the first and foremost NDU Alumni Association in Sri Lanka. Major General Vijitha Ravipriya, President and the person who started NDUAASL expressed his sincere congratulations on this memorable day, as well as on the 94th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese people’s liberation Army on August 1.
The seed started to sow in his heart
From 2015 to 2016, Major General Vijitha Ravipriya was following NDU master program in Beijing. This journey has greatly inspired him and he made many friends during that period.
“I was so attached in my NDU study and deeply impressed on Chinese dreams that ‘young people should dare to dream, work assiduously to fulfill the dreams and contribute to the nation revitalisation’.” He said, the seed of the NDUAASL started to sow in his heart. “I felt happy that some people held the same idea as I did.
After I came back to Sri Lanka I personally initiated the plan to create this association. I managed to get all related approvals. Finally I could organise the inauguration of NDUAASL in Shangri La with the participation of sixty officers, and chief guest was Secretary Defence of MOD. ”
The grand NDUAASL inauguration was on July 30 2020 in Shangri La in Colombo. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Major General Vijitha Ravipriya said the organisation would serve as a bridge to connect NDU alumni in Sri Lanka with its alma mater in China, and help continue the centuries-long friendship between the two countries.
NDUAASL serves as the bond
He has a clear blueprint in his heart. “As the initial plan, we are only for qualified NDU alumni. But in the future we may expand and integrate more short-period trained officers too, to strengthen the member networking as well as offer more study opportunities.” He also plans to make NDUAASL active and maintain the same standard constantly.
He spoke highly of the achievements of the interaction between the two militaries. “When I was studying in NDU, I had the valuable opportunities to really know the People’s Liberation Army. I found them honest, friendly and knowledgeable.
They are dedicated to their people and were always willingly to share their experience with us.
My true experience told me, mutual friendship delegation visits will truly strengthen the bond between us, and I hope the two militaries will have more interaction in the future. NDUAASL serves as the bond.”
2021 is the 94th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. He said, “As a NDU alumnus who studied Chinese history and their way of coming this far, I really admire PLA and the Chinese people for making their country among tops in the world with a dedicated service throughout the long period of 100 years. I take this opportunity to wish the PLA all the very best in its future endeavours.”