25th December 2024 09:08:03 Hours
The first CBRN Symposium conducted with the focus on “Enhance the capabilities and capacity of CBRN troops and Threat evaluation in Sri Lanka related to the CBRN response”, held on 23 December 2024 organized by the Officers’ advance CBRN response course 02/2024 collaboration with 14 CBRNE Response Regiment SLE under the guidance of Major General Lanka Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc, Commander Security Forces (West) and Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers and the supervision of Major General S P G Gamage RWP RSP USP, General Officer Commanding of Engineer Division.
A specific attention for the concept of focussing on operational readiness on CBRN threats was initiated by Major General Lanka Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc, during his tenure as the Commander Engineer Division, aiming to enhance the knowledge, skills and competence of handling chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear first responder duties in a disaster or accidental pall out and ameliorating combat readiness of the sapper troops for unconventional threats which can disturb the tranquillity and peace of the country.
The CBRN Symposium 2024 designed to provide a platform for sharing practical knowledge and conceptual understanding, fostering awareness among officers and subordinates regarding the eminent threats posed by CBRN incidents and to enhance readiness and operational effectiveness by leveraging the expertise of professionals in the field and exploring the best practices and innovative approaches to CBRN response. Through this initiative, participants has shown their valuable insights to improve preparedness and response strategies, ensuring a higher level of proficiency and resilience in handling CBRN challenges.
The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Major General SPG Gamage RWP RSP USP, General Officer Commanding, Engineer Division. His presence and inspiring words highlighted the importance of CBRN preparedness.
The symposium was further enriched by the keynote speaker, Dr. K. Sanath Chandana De Silva, Head of the Department of Strategic Studies at the Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. Dr. De Silva’s insights offered a profound understanding of strategic approaches to CBRN response.
The symposium also benefited from the expertise, Mr. KKPIK Kadadunna, Director (Inspection and Enforcement) of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council, who served as the Head of the Evaluation Panel. His invaluable guidance ensured the quality and relevance of the event.
The success of the CBRN Symposium 2024 was made possible through the invaluable support of stakeholders in CBRN response:
Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council
Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board
National Authority for Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention in Sri Lanka
Disaster Preparedness and Response Division, Ministry of Health
Sri Lanka Gamma Centre
These organizations played a pivotal role in sharing their knowledge, expertise, and resources to make the symposium a resounding success.
The symposium featured six dynamic presentations by student officers of the Officers’ Advanced CBRN Response Course and the resource personnel from the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers. Their thought-provoking insights illuminated various aspects of CBRN response, with valuable comments of the stakeholders.
The event concluded with thirsty of the knowledge in CBRN response. This inaugural symposium became as a significant eye-opener, igniting a passion for continued learning and collaboration with stakeholders in CBRN response.
