Annual Joint Cyber Security Exercise 'GRIDSHIELD' Successfully Conducted by the Defence Cyber Command of the Ministry of Defence

The joint cybersecurity exercise "GRIDSHIELD" organised by the Defence Cyber Command, was successfully held on 20 May 2026, at the Centre for Defence Research and Development (CDRD). The core mission of the exercise was to facilitate vital knowledge sharing regarding cybersecurity while building robust coordination and camaraderie among the Tri forces, Police, Special Task Force (STF), and the Defence Cyber Command (DCC).

The exercise commenced with an opening address delivered by the Director of the DCC, setting the stage for a highly collaborative and competitive environment. The intensive training event featured a comprehensive combination of offensive, defensive, investigative, and digital forensic practical sessions designed to test the limits of the participants.

Organised into seven distinct groups, participants navigated a rigorous Capture the Flag (CTF) format. The exercise consisted of 10 complex challenges, requiring the teams to successfully secure 10 flags to claim victory. These highly realistic challenges were meticulously created and formulated by a dedicated team of experts: Maj Nuwan Jayasinghe, Sqn Ldr Lahiru Weerasinghe, LCdr Meshech Hewawasam, and LCdr Malitha Sakalasooriya. Their exceptional effort and expertise were instrumental in delivering a high-quality and testing environment.

Demonstrating exceptional technical proficiency and teamwork, Group No. 3 emerged as the overall champions. The winning team comprised a diverse group of inter-agency personnel:

• Flt Lt DAIH De Silva (Sri Lanka Air Force)
• IP RMKD Wimalarathne (Sri Lanka Police)
• SI KTS Amarasiri (Criminal Investigation Division)
• Sgt Bandara IBMVNI (Defence Cyber Command)
• LIT DMTSB Dissanayake (Sri Lanka Navy)
• L/Cpl Sankalpa RDP (Sri Lanka Army)

Eng. Mr. WND Perera, Additional Secretary (Technical) at the Ministry of Defence, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and presented the certificates to the winning team.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished invitees, including Director DCC Brigadier KVP Dhammika USP, Commodore OGPRPR Hungampola USP, Director General Overlooking of the CDRD, the Zonal Commander Colombo; the Director of IT and Media/Drone; and SP RC Heratharachchi, Project Officer of the Formed Police Unit.

The resounding success of Exercise GRIDSHIELD was a direct result of the immense dedication and unwavering effort provided by the Director of the DCC, the Director General of the CDRD, and all officers and members of the Defence Cyber Command, Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police, Special Task Force, and the Centre for Defence Research and Development.