Defence Services Command and Staff College

EXERCISE – KONTIKI

Naval Wing Course Participants of DSCSC course No 18 embarked on a leadership assessment expedition, Exercise ‘Kontiki’ along the Kelani River from 03 to 05 Jul 24 and engaged in activities which enhanced leadership and team building skills.

In particular to this exercise, Commander Asad Yaseen representing Pakistan Navy War College joined the DSCSC on 01 Jul 24 and had an official call on with the Commandant, DSCSC on 02 Jul 24.

As per the content of the exercise, Course Participants 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 Course Participants used bamboo sticks and oars to manoeuvre rafts. On successful completion of the event, the faculty and the Course Participants travelled to Kithulgala harbouring site (VRK Adventure Base Camp) to continue the scheduled exercise.

Accordingly, the Course Participants availed the first hand experience in white water rafting and number of waterborne adventure sports on 04 Jul 24 in Kithulgala area. The Course Participants also engaged in leadership and team building exercises on 05 Jul 24 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 Course Participants 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 Course Participants to deviate from their routine work at DSCSC and to break the monotony. In addition, the exercise paves the way for the Course Participants 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, Course Participants 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 05 Jul 24 at Kithulgala Harbouring Site and the Commandant of DSCSC graced the occasion with Chief Instructors and faculty members.

2024 EXERCISE - KONTIKI