Navy Wing Course Participants of Defence Services Command and Staff College Course No 20 embarked on a leadership assessment expedition, Exercise ‘Kontiki’, along the Kelani river from 02 to 04 July 2026 and engaged in activities which enhanced leadership and team building skills. The exercise was conducted in four phases.

The objective of the Exercise was to evaluate the Course Participants in their leadership, teamwork, cohesiveness and the organising ability of various events as Staff Officers in a stressful, complex and real time situations. This 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 internal waters of Sri Lanka.

As per the content of the exercise, the Course Participants were divided into three syndicates. In the preparatory phase, they were tasked to design and construct three rafts with locally available materials, paying consideration for its manoeuvrability, displacement, centre of gravity, ideal draft and the shape to navigate along the Kelani River. The 1st phase of the exercise was river expedition, it was conducted from Kudagama to Kapugoda in general area Awissawella, approximately 15 km stretch along the Kelani river, and the Course Participants used bamboo sticks and oars to manoeuvre the rafts along the river. On successful completion of the event, the Faculty and the Course Participants proceeded to Kithulgala harbouring site (VRK Adventure Base Camp) to continue the scheduled exercise.

During the 2nd phase, the Course Participants engaged in leadership and team building exercises on 03 July 2026 at Kithulgala harbouring site under the professional guidance of the training team of Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and the Directing Staff of the Navy Wing. In accordance with the 3rd phase, the Course Participants availed the first-hand experience in white water rafting and a number of waterborne adventure activities on 04 Jul 2026 in Kithulgala area.

On completion of the 3rd phase, a social gathering was held as the 4th phase of the exercise by showcasing the organising ability of social event as staff officers on 04 July 2026 at Kithulgala harbouring site. The Commandant of Defence Services Command and Staff College graced the occasion along with the Deputy Commandant, Chief Instructors, members of the Faculty and the representative officers from Permanent Staff of the College.