SLAF HOSTS TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME FOR UNIVERSITY OF SRI JAYEWARDENEPURA STUDENTS
A four-day Leadership Development Programme was successfully conducted at the SLAF Combat Training School, Diyatalawa, from 13 March 2026 to 16 March 2026, with the participation of undergraduates from the Department of Decision Science, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Coordinated under the direction of the Commanding Officer SLAF Combat Training School Diyatalawa, Group Captain Lalith Sugathadasa.
The programme was initiated in response to a request made by the University. The programme was facilitated by Officer Instructors and Other Instructors. The proceeding commenced with an inaugural address delivered by the Acting Commanding Officer and Officer Commanding Training, Group Captain Wasantha Lakshman and the training sessions were supervised by the Chief Instructor, Cadet Training, Squadron Leader Manula Polgampola. To mark the commencement of this collaborative journey, a Na tree planting ceremony was held on the very first day.
Throughout the four-day duration, the undergraduates immersed themselves in a variety of challenging activities, including physical training, strategic decision-making exercises and skill development games focused on leadership. These sessions, complemented by group discussions and motivational workshops, were specifically designed to help participants develop resilience, communication skills and personal discipline. The rigorous schedule provided a unique environment for the students to step out of their comfort zones and refine their professional potential.
In addition to the physical and mental challenges, an 'Evening Campfire' was organized to provide a platform for the participants to showcase their creative talents. This event served as a vital social highlight, allowing the undergraduates to strengthen their camaraderie and build lasting bonds in a relaxed and joyful setting. The programme concluded on a high note, with all participants gaining invaluable experiences and cherished memories of their transformative time at the SLAF Combat Training School, Diyatalawa.
The programme was initiated in response to a request made by the University. The programme was facilitated by Officer Instructors and Other Instructors. The proceeding commenced with an inaugural address delivered by the Acting Commanding Officer and Officer Commanding Training, Group Captain Wasantha Lakshman and the training sessions were supervised by the Chief Instructor, Cadet Training, Squadron Leader Manula Polgampola. To mark the commencement of this collaborative journey, a Na tree planting ceremony was held on the very first day.
Throughout the four-day duration, the undergraduates immersed themselves in a variety of challenging activities, including physical training, strategic decision-making exercises and skill development games focused on leadership. These sessions, complemented by group discussions and motivational workshops, were specifically designed to help participants develop resilience, communication skills and personal discipline. The rigorous schedule provided a unique environment for the students to step out of their comfort zones and refine their professional potential.
In addition to the physical and mental challenges, an 'Evening Campfire' was organized to provide a platform for the participants to showcase their creative talents. This event served as a vital social highlight, allowing the undergraduates to strengthen their camaraderie and build lasting bonds in a relaxed and joyful setting. The programme concluded on a high note, with all participants gaining invaluable experiences and cherished memories of their transformative time at the SLAF Combat Training School, Diyatalawa.
