18th July 2025
A specially trained section from each under-command battalion of the 53 Infantry Division (Reserve Strike Force) is competing in the Arrow Head Challenge 2025 – Combat Readiness Competition, which commenced on 14 July 2025 and will conclude on 18 July 2025.
After undergoing intensive pre-competition training focused on mission planning, leadership development, and combat simulation, the teams completed their registration at the Infantry Training Centre (Minneriya) following a comprehensive internal evaluation. This evaluation, conducted at the battalion level on 13 July 2025, included fitness assessments, marksmanship records, and combat readiness reports.
The competition has been organised under the guidance of the 1 Corps and the 53 Infantry Division with the aim of enhancing operational effectiveness and leadership.
The first phase of the Combat Readiness Jungle March of the Arrow Head Challenge 2025 was successfully completed by all participating competitive teams of the 53 Infantry Division (Reserve Strike Force). This initial segment tested the physical endurance, tactical agility, and teamwork of infantry personnel as they manoeuvred through the dense jungle terrain of Habarana, covering a distance of over 12 km.
The Jungle March commenced in the early hours of 14 July 2025 in a challenging environment, where teams had to navigate through natural obstacles and steep inclines under adverse dry weather conditions, with very limited water resources available. The first leg of this competition tested navigation skills and decision-making under fatigue.
The second challenging day of the Arrowhead Challenge 2025 commenced on 15 July 2025. The participants engaged in a series of rigorous exercises, including offensive patrolling, laying ambushes, tracking, immediate action drills, and the selection and securing of helicopter landing sites. The day's challenges culminated with meticulous heli marshalling drills. Following a day of intense trials, the troops successfully occupied a tactical harbour, strategically reorganising themselves to confront new scenarios expected in the days ahead.
The final phase of the Arrowhead Challenge 2025 concluded on 16 July 2025 with a historic accomplishment, showcasing the exceptional endurance and determination of all participating teams from the 53 Division.
The day began at 0530 hrs with the most demanding task of the entire event, a 20 km casualty evacuation by 8-member teams across rugged terrain in extreme heat. This achievement set a new benchmark, marking the longest casualty evacuation carried out by a single team in Sri Lankan military training history.
Following this, the teams engaged in a live combat firing exercise in full FSMO at the Infantry Training Centre Firing Range.
The successful completion of the Arrowhead Challenge 2025 highlights the physical stamina, tactical excellence and operational readiness of the Reserve Strike Force.
The awarding ceremony of the Arrowhead Challenge 2025 was conducted on 17 July 2025. Major General W.M.P.M Wijesooriya RWP RSP ndu, Commander 1 Corps, graced the event as the Chief Guest.
In the competitive segment, the 1st Battalion the Gajaba Regiment secured the runners up position with a score of 5258 out of 6190.
The Championship title of the Arrowhead Challenge 2025 was proudly clinched by the 3rd Battalion of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry with an outstanding score of 5423.5 out of 6190. The champions were presented with a Certificate of excellence, the prestigious challenge shield, medals, and a special cash prize in recognition of their victory.
Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks participated in the event.
