31st January 2025 12:15:37 Hours
Life as a cadet at the Sri Lanka Military Academy is highly structured, beginning early in the morning and continuing with a rigorous schedule designed to prepare trainees to become proficient junior platoon commanders by the end of their training. Amidst this demanding routine, extracurricular activities such as club outings and adventurous excursions play a vital role in providing relaxation, breaking the monotony, and fostering well-rounded personalities. Activities like hiking and exploration are particularly cherished by cadets, offering them an opportunity to experience nature, meet new people, and gain valuable exposure to real-life environments. Recognizing this, the Academy has thoughtfully incorporated such activities into its training programme to create a more enriching and balanced experience for its trainee Officer Cadets.
The SLMA Adventure and Explorer Club recently organized a memorable hiking and camping experience at Bambaralapathana for Officer Cadets. The excursion, conducted under the guidance of the Overlooking Commandant and the Commanding Officer of the Officer Cadet Wing, aimed to provide trainees with an opportunity to relax, break the monotony of their routine, and experience camping in a picturesque environment—a rare privilege for many youth in the country. Additionally, the programme sought to enhance leadership skills, foster teamwork and unity among cadets, and encourage creativity. Above all, it allowed participants to enjoy themselves and share fun moments with their batch mates and instructors.
Bambaralapathana, located in the Badulla District of Uva Province, stands at an elevation of approximately 967 meters. It lies about 19 kilometers from the popular tourist hub of Ella, making it an ideal destination for mountaineering and camping enthusiasts. The adventure camping programme took place on the 25th and 26th of January 2025, with the participation of 40 Officer Cadets and a team of instructors.
The journey began on the morning of January 25th with a hike to the campsite, where cadets worked together to set up tents. That evening, a lively campfire was organized, featuring cadet-led performances and entertainment that showcased their creativity and talent. On January 26th, the activities continued with a sapling plantation project at the campsite, conducted in collaboration with Forest Department officials. This initiative was part of the "Clean Sri Lanka" project, further aiming to make it “Clean and Green,” thereby emphasizing environmental conservation and sustainability.
This adventure not only provided the Officer Cadets with a well-deserved break from their intense routine but also served as a platform to build camaraderie, enhance leadership qualities, and foster a sense of environmental responsibility. The experience at Bambaralapathana stands as a testament to the Academy's unwavering commitment to developing well-rounded leaders for the future. As a responsible government institution entrusted with the critical task of preparing junior platoon commanders to lead men in both war and peace, the Academy spares no effort in shaping officers of character, strong leadership, intellectual depth, and a foundation of peace. These attributes, along with other essential qualities, are instilled to ensure exemplary service to the nation, in alignment with the Academy's mission statement.
