DISASTER RESPONSE TRAINING WORKSHOP CONDUCTED FOR THE TROOPS OF 61 INFANTRY DIVISION

As per the direction of Commander Security Forces (West) and the close supervision of General Officer Commanding 61 Infantry Division Major General K T P De Silva RSP ndu psc, in an effort to enhance disaster response capabilities, the 61 Infantry Division successfully conducted a Disaster Response and rescue training programme for its personnel at Madampa river and Rivers Edge Hotel premises in Ambalangoda. This training workshop aimed to equiped officers and soldiers with essential skills to conduct swift and efficient rescue operations during a flood situation in the area.

It was attended by 07 x Officers and 90 x Other Ranks representing all under command battalions of the 61 Infantry Division. The Centre for Disaster Response Training of the Sri Lanka Army provided the expertise assistance of 01 x 06 instructors. This training workshop was commenced on 24.03.2025 and it was successfully completed on 26.03.2025.

This was not a traditional training but it was designed to impart practical knowledge to the trainees by organizing and devising the necessary scope and allocating more time for activities and improving personal and team skills. The selected venue for conducting this training was well suited for disaster rescue mission training, during the entire period of this programme, the General Officer Commander – 61 Infantry Division personally inspected the safety, learning and administrative needs of the students and provided guidance and close supervision throughout this workshop.

Details of the subjects covered in the training workshop was as follows;

Awareness on disaster management.

Basic first aid lecture. (Focusing on CPR)

Lecture/example on artificial respiration.

Rescuing drowned persons/use of rescue board.

Crossing water obstacles.

Handling of boats.

Introduction to various types of knots used to rescue victims of disasters.