Defence Services Command and Staff College

EXERCISE – KONTIKI

Naval Wing Student Officers of DSCSC course No 17 embarked on a leadership assessment expedition, Exercise ‘Kontiki’ along the Kelani River from 05 to 07 Jul 23 and engaged in activities which enhanced leadership and team building skills.

In particular to this exercise, Commander Iftikhar Rasool Chaudhry representing Pakistan Navy War College joined the DSCSC on 03 Jul 23 and had an official call on with the Commandant, DSCSC on 04 Jul 23.

As per the content of the exercise, Student Officers were divided into three syndicates and tasked to design and construct three rafts in consideration of its manoeuvrability, weight factor, centre of gravity, ideal draft and the shape to navigate along the Kelani River, The river expedition was conducted from Kudagama in Awissawella to Kapugoda approx a 15km distance along the Kelani River and the Student Officers used bamboo sticks and oars to manoeuvre rafts. On successful completion of the event, the faculty and the Student Officers travelled to Kithulgala harbouring site (Ceylon Adventure Sports) to continue the scheduled exercise.

Accordingly, the Student Officers availed the first hand experience in white water rafting and number of water borne adventure sports on 06 Jul 23 in Kithulgala area. Student Officers also engaged in leadership and team building exercises on 07 Jul 23 at Kithulgala harbouring site under the professional guidance of adventure team of Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and the Directing Staff of the Naval Wing.

The objective 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, complex and real time situation. Further, this exercise allowed 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.

On completion of the exercise, a social gathering was held on 07 Jul 23 at Kithulgala Harbouring Site and the Commandant of DSCSC graced the occasion with Chief Instructors and faculty members.