26th May 2023 19:51:54 Hours
The Sri Lanka Army Engineer Division took initiatives to launch CBRNe Courses in month of November, 2022. This initiative stipulated through the guidance of the Commander, Engineer Division Maj Gen Lanka Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc within the framework of ensuring National Security for Sri Lanka and in-line with intention of the Commander of the Army Lt Gen Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu. Course Participants were selected from each Engineer unit located at respective Security Force Headquarters of the Sri Lanka Army.
The Commander, Engineer Division, Maj Gen Lanka Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc, instigated the courses with the intention of enhancing of CBRNe response capability which is a present inevitability due to the current global and local security landscape. Subsequent to his taking over duties as the Commander, Engineer Division, the Sri Lanka Army Engineer Division was able to produce 33 Officers and 197 Other Ranks as CBRNe first responders to reach a total of 95 Officers and 602 Other Ranks as CBRNe responders.
The Closing and Certificate Awarding Ceremony of the fifth batch 2022/23 who passed the CBRNe Course took place on 25th May 2023. Maj Gen Lanka Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc graced the Closing and Certificate Awarding Ceremony as the Chief Guest. He highlighted the responsibilities of the responders in preventing CBRNEs related activities with predicted information and sound intelligence in their respective Area of Responsibilities. The importance of protection of individuals while on duty in protecting the National Security of the Sri Lanka and the continuation of training while updating on world CBRNe trends & mechanisms were also emphasised.
Sri Lanka Army Engineer Division made an exceptional effort to maintain the gender balance among the course participants, ensuring the first responder involvement of 2 Lady Officer and 15 Female soldiers.
The course participants were given a spectrum of opportunities combined with theoretical and practical knowledge; exposure to Subject Matter Experts from NACW, SLAEC, SLAEB, Ministry of Health and specially arranged field visits to BOI Gamma Center, Biyagama.
