23rd February 2023 11:30:34 Hours
Subsequent to the request forwarded by the Embassy of the United States of America to the Ministry of Defence, approval was granted to conduct the SMEE at the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering in Embilipitiya. Two representatives from the United States Montana Air National Guard EOD team participated in this programme. The Sri Lankan side consisted of 16 Officers and 27 Other ranks. The SMEE was conducted from 13 Feb 23 to 17 Feb 23.
The SMEE was intended to share and exchange the knowledge and experiences between the US Team and the Sri Lankan Team. The discussions and presentations were forecast in enhancing the subject matter knowledge on unexploded ordnance disposal efforts, countering improvised explosive devices and modern humanitarian de-mining efforts.
According to the scheduled programme, discussions were mainly based on the Advance IED neutralizing techniques, Advance search techniques, latest IED scanning techniques, ERW/UXO safe handling and disposal. At the end of the SMEE session, certificate of participation was awarded to all those who participated in the programme. The Commander General Engineer Brigade Brig TC Piris RSP USP graced the certificate awarding ceremony as the Chief Guest.
The programme was coordinated and conducted by the Commandant of SLSME Col M K V Manoharan USP under the direct supervision of Maj Gen M K Jayawardena RSP VSV USP ndu, Chief Field Engineer of Sri Lanka Army and Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers and the guidance of Maj Gen A H L G Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc, General Officer Commanding the Engineer Division.
