20th July 2025 16:15:06 Hours
The Passing Out Parade and Certificate Awarding Ceremony of the Bomb and Improvised Explosive Devices Disposal (BIEDD) Course - Number 09 got underway at the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering (SLSME) on Saturday,19 July 2025. The Overlooking Chief Field Engineer of the Sri Lanka Army and the Director Movement Brigadier CD Wickramanayake WV RSP ndc graced the occasion as the Chief Guest at the invitation of the Commandant of the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering, Colonel JACS Jagoda psc.
Prior to the passing out parade, the Chief Guest was warmly welcomed by the Commandant on his arrival and accorded with a Guard Turnout. The ceremony was unfolded after the passing out parade marched in to the Parade Ground. Subsequently the Chief Guest pinned prestigious Bomb Disposal insignias on the passing out students along with the Commandant. A dignified ceremony was held to mark the graduation of two officers and 20 other ranks from the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, including the first Lady Officer to qualify in BIEDD, Captain PCJ Kumaranathunga SLE of 5 Field Engineer Regiment SLE. Later on an Improvised Explosive Devices Disposal demonstration was conducted by the students.
The event also featured the presentation of trophies and certificates to the newly passed out Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operators who excelled in BIEDD Course. Brigadier Chandana Wickramanayake congratulated and extended best wishes to the newly passed out students during his address.
Among the 20 Other Rank Students, the recipients of the following awards were specially commended for their extraordinary performances exhibited during the training at the SLSME.
a. The First in Order of Merit - Lance Corporal Gunathilake YRL – 5 Field Engineer Regiment SLE.
b. The Second in Order of Merit - Sapper Kumara AGLS – 6 Field Engineer Regiment SLE.
c. The Third in Order of Merit - Lance Corporal Keerthisena HA – 14 CBRNE Response Regiment SLE.
d. The Commandant’s Award for the best all round performer of the course - Lance Corporal Keerthisena HA - 14 CBRNE Response Regiment SLE.
The presence of Brigadier HKP Karunathilaka RSP - General Officer Commanding of Sri Lanka Army Engineer Division (Overlooking) and Commander Field Engineer Brigade, Colonel RM Subhasinghe RSP - Centre Commandant of Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, Lieutenant Colonel MJ Salgado RSP USP SLE - Commanding Officer of 14 CBRNE Response Regiment SLE added more colour to the event.
