Hiking, Nature’s Therapy; From the Headquarters of Volunteer Force to Kumari Ella

Strengthening the conceptual frame work which fulfills the Way Forward 2025 of the Volunteer Force, a hiking involves something many other forms of exercise that are not totally predictable and empowering vision and mission of the establishment, was organized by Major General D G S Senarath Yapa RWP RSP ndu, the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force on 31 August 2022. 

Under a sunless sky, the programme got underway in early hours of the morning of the day and was attended by all the officers along with other supportive troops. The hikers advanced the total distance which is a 21 km march from the Headquarters of the Volunteer Force to a hilly terrain where the waterfall, Kumari Ella is situated (GR 351901) as six (06) man teams with its leaders.

At the outset, a comprehensive overview regarding the endevour was outlined by the Commandant integrating each member with the journey emphasizing the hiking exercise which aids   in revitalizing the brain, heart, and strength to navigate through the organizational development and its compatibility for the smooth upgradation of the Volunteer Force.  The experience of hiking is unique conveying benefits beyond from typical exercise and it mainly focused on sharpening the expected soft skills rejuvenating endurance and resilience of the members in the Volunteer Force.

The day with heavy showers which brought a wonderful natural atmosphere was gloomy and chilled and all were bound by nonfading spirits of strength for the excursion. Stretching 21 km, is a long distance spiritual journey as a physical expedition offering an enlightenment over realizing the organizational values. The entire walk took around six (06) hours, passing over slippery, overhanging branches, hidden obstacles, through virgin streams of water and spectacular views of rubber estates and wooded areas shimmering out of the mist that cloaks the surrounding hills abundance with leeches and other creatures sparking awesome purity of feelings.  The walk along the foot routes was more rewarding and a sustained climb that heightened the esteem of the journey.

The synergistic effect of physical activity and time spent in nature made hiking an ideal activity to increase overall strength and the will power of all the walkers who have handed with the future alignments of the Volunteer Force.

Adding a challenging and most enthusiastic heroism to the exercise, lady officers too mounted the entire distance exemplifying the feminine courage filled with such daring and gallant.

The whole adventure afforded a wealth of experience to value team spirit, social bonds embracing humanity, and leadership for crowning extraordinary physical and emotional strength of volunteering.

At the end of the day's itinerary, the entire excursion was mostly appreciated by the Commandant for bringing it a success which is indeed a future investment of the Volunteer Force.