SENIOR COMMAND COURSE 15 UNDERTAKES STUDY VISIT TO COLOMBO

As part of its ongoing commitment to developing intellectually agile and operationally competent leaders, the Army War College conducted a study visit to Colombo for the Student Officers of Senior Command Course (SCC) 15. The delegation, headed by Major General PS Subath Sanjeewa RSP nps psc, Commandant of the Army War College, along with the Chief Instructor, Senior Instructor of the Senior Command Wing, Faculty members, and 51 Student Officers, embarked on this academic engagement on 15 and 16 October 2025. The study visit aimed to broaden the officers’ understanding of joint, interagency, and strategic-level functions vital to future command responsibilities.

The programme commenced with a visit to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) station in Mirissa, where the Student Officers were cordially received by Coast Guard officers. A comprehensive briefing was delivered on the roles, responsibilities, and achievements of the SLCG, focusing on maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and environmental protection. The visit underscored the growing importance of maritime domain awareness in national security and highlighted opportunities for future joint operations.

On 16 October, the Student Officers were hosted at Army Headquarters, where they had the distinguished opportunity to interact with the senior leadership of the Sri Lanka Army. Major General DKSK Dolage USP nps psc, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, addressed the Student Officers, focusing on the pivotal roles and responsibilities of future Battalion Commanders. He emphasised the realities, challenges, and demands placed on Commanding Officers to maintain operational readiness in today’s complex security environment.

The day’s events included a structured and insightful lecture by Brigadier BADRAC Wijeyesekera RSP ctf-ndu USACGSC, Director of Training, who addressed the Student Officers on the critical role of Commanding Officers in training. His address underscored the need for effective leadership at the battalion level and a commitment to continuous improvement in the face of evolving security challenges. Student Officers were encouraged to adopt a results-oriented approach that balances mission preparedness with doctrinal compliance.

Following the lecture, the officers participated in an interactive session with the Principal Staff Officers, led by the Chief of Staff. This session provided a platform for open dialogue and in-depth discussion on strategic issues facing the Sri Lanka Army, offering valuable insights into contemporary leadership challenges, command philosophy, and the expectations placed upon future Battalion Commanders.

At the culmination of the interaction session, the Student Officers had the opportunity to engage with officers from the Directorate of Military Intelligence. This valuable session offered briefings and insights into intelligence aspects critical for future Battalion Commanders to effectively lead their units.

Subsequently, the delegation visited several key directorates, including the Directorate of Operations and the Directorate of Personnel Administration. These visits aimed to enhance the Student Officers’ understanding of how Army Headquarters functions to support operational units across the country. Each directorate provided detailed briefings on policy formulation, resource management, and interdepartmental coordination of all essential knowledge areas for future commanders.

The visit also included a tour of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the nation’s primary agency for disaster risk reduction and emergency response coordination. The Student Officers were briefed on the structure, mandate, and operational role of the DMC, with particular emphasis on the Sri Lanka Army’s involvement in national disaster response efforts. This segment of the visit reinforced the military’s integral role in civil-military cooperation during crises.

The Colombo study visit provided the Student Officers of SCC 15 with a holistic understanding of the multi-dimensional responsibilities of military leaders operating in today’s complex security environment. From maritime security to high-level strategic leadership, and from training doctrine to disaster management, the exposure gained during this visit will significantly enhance the officers’ preparedness for future command responsibilities.

The Army War College remains committed to grooming leaders who are not only tactically proficient but also strategically aware and professionally adaptive.