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Operation Peace
In the tranquil surroundings of Kukuleganga, soldiers are undergoing peacekeeping training
By Hiranthi Fernando
Amidst the peaceful rural environs of Kukuleganga, soldiers of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces are put through their paces on how to handle peace-keeping operations. More than 2,500 soldiers, mainly from the Sri Lanka Army, have already undergone training at the Institute of Peace Support Training in Sri Lanka established for UN assignments.

A two-hour drive from Colombo, turning off from Matugama, Kukuleganga nestles among the hills terraced with paddy fields, with several scenic waterfalls and streams in the vicinity.

The institute was established at Kukuleganga in June 2004, with UN assistance. The first training session, the Multinational Platoon Exercise (MPE-3) ‘Sama Gamana’ was conducted with several hundreds of foreign trainees from the US, Nepal, Mongolia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Apart from the trainees, the first session was attended by several teams of trainers from the participating countries as well as UN observers from these countries. The spot selected was the former Kukuleganga project site set up by SKANSKA for the construction of the Kukuleganga dam. After several feasibility studies were carried out, the site was found to be ideal for the training institute and was redesigned with the least possible environmental damage by army engineers who ensured that the cascading waterfalls and streams were not disturbed in the 80-acre land.

Since the inauguration, several batches of men have been trained in peacekeeping operations. A battalion of 750 personnel, 48 officers and 702 other ranks from the Sri Lanka Army joined the UN Peacekeeping Force in Haiti in September 2004. Two other batches have followed thereafter.

Each batch is sent for a period of six months. In addition to the battalion of 750 men, a company of 200 men have also been sent to Haiti. It is a great opportunity for Sri Lankan soldiers as they receive a monthly salary of about US$ 1000 apart from the regular salary received from the Sri Lanka Army.

A company consisting of 200 men from the Army, Navy and Air Force were in training when we visited the institute. They will shortly be sent to relieve the company in Haiti at present.

Col. Mahinda Mudalige, the Officer-in-Charge of the training institute explained that five main subjects are covered in the training session of 17 days duration. The men are trained in manning a road block, handling media personnel, manning a distribution point, DDR which is Disarmament, Demobilisation and Rehabilitation, travelling in convoys, patrolling and in improvised explosive devices.

“We are also teaching them about the UN Charter, cultural awareness, stress management, rules of engagement and also awareness on HIV,” Col. Mudalige said. “They start the sessions at 8.30 each morning and the course includes lectures, demonstrations and practical training. They are trained how to perform when faced with reality.”

In various parts of the extensive premises, groups were undergoing training in reacting to different situations they would encounter, by taking part in role play. In one such exercise, the local government officials of the area had made an agreement with the rebels to disarm. The rebels come to the UN headquarters to hand over weapons, but vociferously demand payment before handing them over. The soldiers are trained to be calm in dealing with the rebels and tactful with the leaders.

In another area, a convoy operation transporting food, fuel and staff with security was being practised. Escort vehicles were prepared with logs and sandbags to take the impact of any attack. Col. Mudalige said the training institute has also been used for foreign seminars for officers of twenty countries. The officers are usually accommodated at the well equipped chalets which were once the quarters of the senior project officials.

The training institute has the necessary facilities to accommodate 480 students as well as a well equipped auditorium. When not in use for peacekeeping training, the institute is also used by the army for a residential course on International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. The apartments are managed as a hotel by the army when they are not in use for seminars or training sessions.

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