Navy organizes leadership training and awareness programme for school children

The Sri Lanka Navy arranged a training and awareness program to enhance the leadership abilities of young men and women, with a view to encouraging future leaders to realize their responsible role in building a prosperous nation. The initial phase of the programme involved arranging a leadership training and awareness event for 158 school children. These students were selected from 16 different schools in the Colombo area and are about to finish their school education. The segments of the programme were held at the Navy Headquarters, Colombo harbour and Welisara Naval Complex today (21st July 2023).

The timely initiative was set in motion following the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and under the supervision of the Director General Personnel, Rear Admiral Damian Fernando. The event saw the participation of children from the Royal College Colombo, Ananda College, Nalanda College, DS Senanayake College, Isipathana College, Mahanama College, Thurstan College, St. Joseph's College, St. Peter's College, St. Benedict's College, Lumbini College, Visakha Vidyalaya, Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Hindu College and Zahira College, with great enthusiasm.

At the Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake Auditorium in the Navy Headquarters the school children caught a glimpse of the Sri Lanka Navy, through a short documentary video and lent their ears to a speech of the Director General Personnel as well. Subsequently, they visited the Colombo harbour where the children were briefed about the functions of the ships and craft of Sri Lanka Navy. In addition, the children had the rare opportunity of watching a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure demonstration of the Special Boat Squadron.

Next, the children and teachers of the schools enjoyed their lunch at the Western Naval Command Wardroom, before leaving for Welisara. In Welisara, the students visited the Air Rifle Shooting Range and had the opportunity to do some hands-on shooting. In addition, the Special Boat Squadron introduced some theories of leadership and conducted practical leadership exercises. In the same vein, the Navy Band, and Cultural Troupe provided entertaining elements that brought joy to the children.

The school children and teachers who took part in this programme heaped much praise on the Navy, for arranging this leadership training and awareness programme. Thus, the Sri Lanka Navy is determined to conduct similar programmes in the future as well.