SRI LANKA AND INDIA FORTIFY MILITARY EDUCATION TIES THROUGH INSTRUCTOR EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

The Army War College, Sri Lanka, recently concluded a highly successful six-day Instructor Exchange Programme with the Army War College, India, held from 27 October 2025 to 1 November 2025. This initiative underscores a mutual commitment to enhancing professional military education and strengthening the enduring defence partnership between the two nations.

Conducted under a framework of mutual understanding, the programme served as a significant platform to exchange instructional best practices and foster intellectual interoperability among military educators. It is designed to contribute to the continuous development of strategic thought, leadership, and instructional excellence within both armies.

The primary aim of the exchange was to enhance institutional learning and expand academic collaboration. The Sri Lankan delegation gained exposure to Advanced Teaching Methodologies, Instructional Conduct, and Staff Training Techniques employed at the Army War College, India. A key focus was studying how modern instructional systems can be adapted and implemented at the Army War College, Sri Lanka, to further strengthen its curriculum and training delivery.

The Sri Lankan delegation included Chief Instructor Colonel DPASA Witharana psc, along with two Directing Staff members representing the Senior Command Course (SCC) and Junior Command Course (JCC). Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Lieutenant General DP Pandey UYSM, AVSM, VSM, Commandant of the Army War College, India. The formal call-on was marked by an exchange of mementos symbolizing mutual respect and the strong bond between the two military training centres.

During the programme, the delegation visited key departments, including the Senior Command Wing and Junior Command Wing of the Army War College, India. Both institutions engaged in meaningful academic dialogue, sharing perspectives on Staff Education, Teaching Philosophy, and Leadership Development. Discussions centered on Instructional Methods, Classroom Techniques, Exercise Planning, Simulation-based Learning, and the Integration of Emerging Technologies into Course Structures.

The Sri Lankan team toured several military training and research establishments, including demonstration and field training sites, the School of Infantry, the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering, the Infantry Research Centre, and the Museum. These visits provided valuable insights into India’s broader military training ecosystem, technological adaptation, and doctrinal development.

The six-day programme successfully achieved its objectives, strengthening professional ties between the two Army War Colleges. The exchange not only facilitated knowledge sharing but also laid the groundwork for future cooperation in military education and leadership development. This initiative marks an important step in the Army War College, Sri Lanka’s continuing efforts to benchmark international standards, evolve instructional excellence, and prepare future leaders for complex operational environments.