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12th July 2025 12:36:12 Hours
The Student Officers of Senior Command Course (SCC) No 14 at the Army War College successfully concluded a two-day study tour to Colombo from 2 to 3 July 2025, designed to enhance their understanding of national defence institutions and inter-agency coordination.
The tour began with a visit to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Headquarters in Mirissa on 2 July. The delegation was briefed on the Coast Guard's operational structure and its critical roles in maritime security, including search and rescue, anti-smuggling operations, and environmental protection in Sri Lankan waters.
On 3 July, the delegation led by Major General P S Subath Sanjeewa RSP nps psc, Commandant of the Army War College visited Army Headquarters in Colombo. The Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army delivered a keynote address to the Student Officers, highlighting the demands placed on future Commanding Officers and the Army's expectations regarding leadership, accountability, and operational effectiveness at the battalion level.
A comprehensive discussion session followed between the Student Officers and the Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), covering current operational challenges, leadership expectations, and ongoing structural reforms within the Army. The Directorate of Military Intelligence also conducted an informative briefing on emerging threat perspectives, providing valuable context to the evolving security environment.
The delegation then visited several key directorates. At the Directorate of Personnel Administration, they were briefed on career progression, HR policies, and administrative protocols. At the Directorate of Training, officers gained insights into modern training methodologies, innovation in instructional systems, and preparation for multi-domain warfare.
During their visit to the Directorate of Operations, the Director addressed the Student Officers, stressing the importance of maintaining operational readiness while fulfilling the wide-ranging responsibilities of a Commanding Officer. The officers also observed real-time operational planning systems and interacted with staff in a fully functional operations room.
The final visit was to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), where Student Officers received a detailed briefing on Sri Lanka's disaster preparedness strategies, early warning systems, and military-civil cooperation mechanisms during humanitarian emergencies.
The Colombo Study Tour provided a comprehensive and immersive learning experience, allowing Student Officers of SCC No 14 to bridge theory with practical exposure. Through direct engagement with senior military leaders and strategic institutions, the tour significantly enriched their understanding of leadership, joint operations, and national-level defence planning, equipping them for future command roles within the Sri Lanka Army.
