Defence Services Command and Staff College

EXERCISE – KONTIKI

Naval Wing Student Officers of DSCSC course No 16 embarked on a leadership assessment expedition, Exercise ‘Kontiki’ along the Kelani River from 06 Jul 22 to 08 Jul 22 and engaged in activities those have displayed team building and leadership skills. Student Officers had been divided in to three syndicates and tasked to design and construct three rafts to navigate along the Kelani River, considering its manoeuvrability, weight factor, centre of gravity, ideal draft and the shape. This expedition was conducted in general area of Kithulgala, Kudagama and Kaluaggala. Student Officers used bamboo sticks and oars to manoeuvre rafts and carried out their expedition along the Kelani River from Kudagama in Awissawella (GR 360975) (6⁰ 58′ 12” N, 80⁰ 11′ 24” E) to Kaluaggala harbouring point (GR 250925) (6⁰ 56′ 00” N, 80⁰ 5′ 20” E). Further, had avail the first hand experience white water rafting on 06 Jul 22 in Kithulgala. Student Officers also engaged in outdoor leadership and team building exercises on 06 Jul 22 at Kaluaggala harbouring point and surrounding areas under the professional guidance of adventure team of Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and the Directing Staff of Naval Wing.

Purpose of Exercise ‘Kontiki’ is to evaluate Student Officers in their leadership, teamwork, cohesiveness and the organizing ability of various events as Staff Officers in a stressful and complex real time situation. Further, prime objective of this exercise is to allow Student Officers to deviate from their routine work at DSCSC and to break the monotony. In addition, the exercise paves the way for the Student Officers to research on historical, social and environmental issues relevant to the area enabling them to understand the importance of the Kelani River during their expedition. Upon successful completion of the event, Student Officers will be presenting an expedition report with their experience and findings to the college.

The social gathering was held on 08 Jul 22 at poolside of officers’ mess DSCSC and the Commandant grace the occasion.

EXERCISE - KONTIKI - 2022