TACTICAL COMBAT CASUALTY CARE COURSE SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED AT SLSME, FOLLOWED BY EOD LEVEL 01 EQUIPMENT DONATION BY THE UNITED STATES.

In a notable gesture of bilateral defense cooperation, the United States Embassy in Sri Lanka officially donated a consignment of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training equipment to the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering (SLSME) on 30th June 2025. The handover ceremony, held at the SLSME premises in Embilipitiya, marks a significant milestone in the growing defense and technical collaboration between the United States and Sri Lanka, emphasizing a shared commitment to strengthening regional security.

This donation was initiated following a specific request by the SLSME, which identified a critical need for modern, field-relevant equipment to enhance the practical effectiveness of EOD training. The procurement and coordination were carried out in close consultation with the Office of the Chief Field Engineer (CFE) and the Sri Lanka Army Engineer Division, ensuring the timely acquisition and delivery of the consignment.

The formal handover was graced by four senior officials from the U.S. military, whose presence reflected the depth and continuity of the defense partnership between the two nations. The event was hosted with due ceremony by the Commandant of SLSME, Colonel JACS Jagoda psc, accompanied by full complement of officers and staff at SLSME, who extended a warm and respectful welcome to the visiting U.S. delegation.

Building on this momentum, the U.S. delegation working in partnership with the United States Army Pacific Command also successfully conducted the inaugural Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Course at the SLSME from 21st to 25th July 2025. This course marked another key development in enhancing the medical readiness and combat survivability of Sri Lankan military engineers.

Led by experienced instructors Sergeant Kyle Moore, Sergeant Taylor Michael, and Private First Class Marco Rocha, the training provided essential hands-on guidance in life-saving techniques designed for high-stakes battlefield scenarios. As a foundational element of the broader EOD Level 01 training program, the TCCC course equips sappers with the practical skills needed to respond swiftly and effectively to medical emergencies encountered during complex combat engineering tasks.

Notably, the course also saw the active participation of three lady officers and four female other rank personnel from the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers. Their inclusion underscores the Army’s commitment to promoting gender integration and expanding specialized training opportunities for women soldiers in combat support roles.

Together, these initiatives the donation of EOD equipment and the completion of the TCCC course demonstrate a comprehensive and enduring partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka. They reflect a joint commitment to capability development, professional training, and regional security cooperation for years to come.