The Sri Lankan National Cadet Corps (NCC), which blessed with its motto ‘Never Be Unprepared’ (Suudaanam Novi Nositinu) has been engaged in producing youth of sterling character throughout its 138 year history.
The history of the NCC goes back to 1881 when John B Cull, Principal of Royal College formed a Volunteer Corps with the intention of promoting discipline by doing drills. Cull’s effort became fruitful when expansion occurred with the introduction of a Cadet Battalion in 1902 recruited from schools and attached to the Ceylon Light Infantry (CLI).These were commanded by honorary officers from among teachers and senior students. Cadet Battalion of CLI was reorganised with effect from September 1, 1910.
The NCC paves the way for producing brave, tough, resilient and resourceful cadets. Besides, the cadets have been trained to face challenges, obstacles and adversity. A school cadet is an iconic character replete with many talents and capabilities plus courage, bravery and obedience.
“Cadets are some of the finest youth emerging in Sri Lanka, and have the qualities demanded by modern day society in order to survive and succeed. They are energetic and self-motivated characters who suit the motto ‘Never be Unprepared’ Commander of the National Cadet Corps Training Centre, Rantambe. Lt Cornel Palitha Mendis said.
Cadets can be divided into four groups - Army cadets, Navy cadets, Air Force cadets and Police Cadets. Of them, regardless what company they belong to, band cadets are significant, since they have to master many skills than an ordinary cadet, Lt. Cornel Mendis said when the Young Voice visited the Rantambe Cadet Training Centre to witness the capabilities of band cadets at the island-wide Western Cadet Bands Competition recently.
“The special force of the Sri Lanka Army is considered as an extra special unit. Similarly a platoon of band cadets is considered as a cluster of unique and special persons, who possess extraordinary capabilities and talents. A school cadet band consists of 25 cadets including a Sergeant, three Corporals and three Lance Corporals,” he said.
He further said that a band cadet should follow all the lessons, drills and physical training exercises, which are followed by an ordinary cadet. In addition to general training, a band cadet should learn music and to play music instruments. Accordingly a band cadet should be more dedicated than an ordinary cadet.
Staff Officer, Lt. Cornel Amal Liyanage, who is the in charge of the Western Band Competition, said this islandwide band competition is similar to the Hermann Loos Challenge Trophy held annually for selecting the best cadet platoon of the country.
“Up to 44 Western cadet bands are participating in this Western Band Competition this year. This competition is not merely an evaluation test as we give every band a complete training. The services of experts in the tri forces in the field of military bands are utilized for training these school cadet bands,” Lt. Cornel Liyanageh said.
The All Island Western Band Competition Camp is organised by the NCC annually at the Rantambe Cadet Training Centre. Girls’ and boys’ Cadet Platoons, selected based on their talents, take part in this Western Band Competition.
Asha Dilrukshi Perera, a teacher of Kuda Kusum Balika Vidyalaya, Bandarawela engaged in training female band cadets said that it is better to give cadet training to every student if possible.
“Presently I am training four female band cadet platoons. I am doing this task with a great enthusiasm. Cadet training is rather important since this training paves the way for a valuable and disciplined citizen with talents and many capabilities,” she said.
“One may think whether that cadet training may hamper the academic career of a student as a cadet has to dedicate more time for training and cadetting related activities.
Asked whether there is truth in that respect, Perera said “cadet training is never a hindrance for academic activities of students. Cadet training itself has guided them on how to manage time. It is the very reason why these students are keen on participating in Rantambe Cadet Training camps with great enthusiasm,” she said.
Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Chirath Chammika Gunawardena of Royal College, Colombo said that Cadet training will pave the way for his future success. Gunawardena, who has reached the highest rank a cadent can achieve, said that he is proud to be a cadet and the cadet training is not a hindrance to his academic activities.
“The experiences we gain as cadets by participating in these camps, cannot be achieved by any ordinary student. We have been sharpened to face any challenge, difficulty and moreover to achieve difficult objectives. Besides, a cadet possesses many other fruitful characteristics such as bravery and leadership qualities. Those qualities are highly important not only for school but also for life,” RSM Gunawardena added.
Sergeant of Badulla Tamil Ladies College Adithya Murthi said she is really proud of being a cadet especially being a band cadet. “Cadetting is my fashion” she said proudly. According to her, a student who has undergone cadetting training is praised by the society and such persons receive leadership positions in society. “The most unique gift and wealth a student can obtain during his or her schooling career is to be a cadet,” she added.
Having understood this uniqueness her parents wanted Murthi to be a cadet, she said with a proud smile. Sergeant of cadet band of Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya, Kandy, Tharini Edirisinghe said that the best way to develop multiple talents including leadership qualities is to become a cadet.
“I have been participating in cadet camps from 2014. It is significant that I never miss my studies due to cadetting since the cadet training teaches us time management. The training and experiences we obtain help us to become physically and mentally strong,” she noted.
Sergeant of the Cadet Band of Nalanda College, Colombo S.P.W. Deshapriya said it can be observed that there is a positive change in his life by being a cadet.
“Whatever I do whether it is academic or any other household work we are blessed to do it with courage through cadetting. A cadet does not fear challenges or difficult goals,” he said.
It can be observed that there are several fruitful developments and quality improvements in the Cadet Training Centre, Rantambe as far as infrastructure development and food is concerned, he added.
