25th June 2024 10:26:03 Hours
The Closing Ceremony of Basic CBRN Response Course No. 08 concluded on 20 June 2024, at Mattegoda. The course commenced on 28 May 2024, was conducted under the supervision of the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering and the Commanding Officer of 14 CBRNE Response Regiment. There was active participation of 27 Other Ranks who not only enthusiastically took part but also successfully completed all requirements. This course was designed to develop the capability and knowledge of Sappers to respond to a CBRN disaster. Throughout the duration of the course, as subjects, concepts of chemical warfare, biological warfare, radiological and nuclear warfare, decontamination processes and techniques, search and rescue operations, firefighting and hazardous waste management were covered. Course participants had the opportunity to attend lectures and practical sessions conducted by experts in different aspects of CBRN response.
Key stakeholders such as the National Authority for the Implementation of Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), the Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (AERC), and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) delivered lectures on relevant subjects. The Ministry of Health conducted a Tabletop Exercise focused on disaster preparedness and response in the context of biological warfare and biological hazards.
Practical training in basic firefighting techniques was provided by the Colombo Fire Department and the Central Environment Authority conducted a lecture session on chemical hazard waste management. Overall, the Basic CBRN Response Course No. 08 provided comprehensive training and practical experience essential for handling CBRN incidents effectively.
The closing ceremony took place on 20 June 2024 and was graced by the Centre Commandant of Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, Colonel F Joseph USP as the Chief Guest. After the certificates awarding, Centre Commandant underscored the critical importance of CBRN training and highlighted the significance of leveraging existing facilities to enhance the capacity of the CBRNE response team.
