SENIOR COMMAND COURSE NO 14 CONCLUDES TRINCOMALEE VISIT WITH COMPREHENSIVE MILITARY EXPOSURE AND HISTORICAL STUDIES

The Senior Command Course 14 recently concluded a significant visit to Trincomalee, marking a milestone in the professional development of Sri Lanka’s emerging military leaders. The visit encompassed a series of enriching activities, including Exercise Secure Nest, study tours to premier military institutions such as the Naval and Maritime Academy and the Air Force Academy, as well as visits to the 1st Marine Battalion and SLNS Vidura at Sampur.

A highlight of the visit was the conduct of Exercise Staff Ride, a battlefield case study focused on the historic Thoppigala Operation, a defining chapter in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Humanitarian Operations. This initiative, the first of its kind, was launched under the visionary guidance of the Commander of the Army, aiming to deepen the understanding and appreciation of Sri Lanka’s military history among future Commanding Officers.

The exercise brought together a distinguished panel of senior officers who played pivotal roles during the Thoppigala Operation. These veterans (Retired Major Generals Jayampathi Tilakarathna, Sena Waduge and Retired Brigadier Udith Bandara), who served as ground-level Commanding Officers during the operation and actively participated in the event, providing invaluable insights into the realities of planning and executing high-intensity military operations. Their expert analysis and shared experiences offered key command lessons essential for today’s military leadership.

The event was graced by the presence of senior dignitaries, including the Commander Security Forces East, the Commandant of the Army War College, and several other high-ranking officers, together with the Chief Instructor of the Army War College assisted by the Senior Instructor and Directing Staff of the Senior Command Course, reflecting the importance and prestige of the occasion.

Through initiatives like Exercise Staff Ride, the Sri Lanka Army continues to foster a culture of historical awareness and operational excellence, ensuring that its future leaders are well-equipped with knowledge, strategic acumen, and a profound respect for the sacrifices and achievements of their predecessors.