30th March 2025 14:56:18 Hours
Under the guidance of the Chief Field Engineer and the supervision of the Commanding Officer of the 14 Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Response Regiment, an awareness and introductory session on CBRN accidents, incidents, and the capabilities of the Regiment was conducted in the Disaster Management coordinating conference in Ratnapura District on 25 March 2025 at District Secretariat - Ratnapura.
With the rapid expansion of industries and advancements in technology, the frequency of chemical-related accidents and incidents has significantly increased. Furthermore, due to a lack of awareness and negligence in adhering to established regulations meant to safeguard living beings and the environment, biological hazards have emerged unnoticed in various sectors.
In response to these concerns, a coordinating conference was organized by the Disaster Management Center and the Ratnapura District Secretariat to raise awareness of CBRN-related threats. The event aimed to educate participants on potential hazards, their root causes, and effective response strategies. Officials representing all Divisional Secretariats in Ratnapura, relevant government authorities, and members of the local business community participated in the conference.
The discussions primarily focused on identifying gaps in existing rules and regulations, addressing communication barriers among relevant authorities, and improving awareness, equipment availability, and human resource allocation. These areas were highlighted as key challenges in effectively managing CBRN threats.
As the first responder unit and the primary representative of the Sri Lanka Army in CBRN-related emergencies, the 14 CBRNE Response Regiment shared its expertise in threat analysis, mitigation strategies, preparedness, and response procedures for CBRN accidents. Additionally, participants were briefed on the correct protocols for reporting and coordinating CBRN incidents.
The conference served as a crucial platform to enhance collaboration among stakeholders and reinforce the importance of a well-coordinated response framework to ensure public safety and environmental protection in the Ratnapura District.
