Student Officers Trace the Footsteps of Sri Lanka’s Glorious Past

Student Officers of Junior Staff Course (JSC) 30 of the Army War College stepped beyond the classroom on 6 October for ‘Exercise History Watch’, a focused heritage tour aimed at discovering the rich cultural and historical landmarks in the region surrounding the Army War College.

The educational excursion brought together 30 Student Officers, eager to connect theory with the living history of Sri Lanka. The journey highlighted key archaeological and religious sites, each narrating a unique chapter of the island’s ancient civilization.

The first destination was the Katugahagalge Temple in Badalkumbura, a tranquil site embodying centuries of spiritual devotion and historic value. The officers then visited the Yudaganawa Temple, believed to be a battleground-turned-sacred space, echoing stories of ancient royal conflicts.

A major highlight of the tour was the visit to the Buduruwagala Archaeological Site, home to majestic rock-carved Buddha statues, symbolizing the island’s Buddhist heritage and artistic mastery. The journey continued to the awe-inspiring Maligawila Buddha Statue, one of the tallest standing Buddha images in Sri Lanka, carved from a single stone and standing as a testament to ancient engineering excellence.

Concluding the excursion, the group arrived at Dembatamal Viharaya in Kumbukkana, a peaceful, historically significant temple tied to the reign of King Dutugemunu, offering a quiet reflection on the spiritual and cultural threads of the nation’s past.

This hands-on learning experience allowed the officers to broaden their academic perspective, develop a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s historical roots, and strengthen their understanding of national heritage as future military leaders. ‘Ex History Watch’ served not only as an academic supplement but also as a journey of reflection, pride, and professional growth leaving an indelible mark on every officer who took part.