SRI LANKA AIR FORCE EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL BASIC COURSE VISIT TO THE SRI LANKA SCHOOL OF MILITARY ENGINEERING

The visit of Student Officers and Other Ranks from the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Basic Courses, to the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering (SLSME) took place on 31 October 2024. This visit presented a rare and valuable opportunity for both local and foreign students, allowing them to observe the Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) Disposal techniques and the model room situated within the training establishment. As the historic and unique Military Engineering training school of the Sri Lanka Army, it provided an ideal setting for learning about the capabilities and the vital role of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers in the field of national defence.

The visiting Students represented Course No 46 - Officers’, Course No 06 - Foreign Officers’, Course No 62 - Airmen’s and Course No 37 - Navy personnels’ EOD Basic Courses which respectively included 02 Air Force student Officers, 03 foreign students from India, Maldives and Zambia, 24 Non-Commissioned Officers from Sri Lanka Air Force and a Non-Commissioned Officer from the Sri Lankan Navy. Additionally, An Officer Instructor and 10 Non-Commissioned Officers represented the instructor panel of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training School in Sri Lanka Air Force Base, Palavi.

The day’s agenda commenced after Colonel J A C S Jagoda psc, the Overlooking Commandant of the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering welcomed the visiting team on their arrival at the camp premises. In accordance with the visiting schedule, Maj L L C S Cabral psc SLE, the Chief Instructor of the SLSME delivered a brief introduction of the school, outlining its vision, mission and the role of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers.

During the visit, the Field Engineering Wing conducted a live demonstration of the IED disposal procedures, showcasing the modern techniques and Cutting-edge technologies utilized by Sri Lanka Army EOD teams in effectively managing IED scenarios. Subsequently, the model room briefing emphasized on various engineering models and simulators used for training in critical aspects of Military Engineering and EOD operations.

The programme was culminated with the exchange of mementos between the visiting team and the Overlooking Commandant of SLSME. Moreover, the event facilitated close interactions between the visiting students and the SLAF staff possessing expertise in their respective fields. This direct engagement provided invaluable opportunities for learning and exchange, enriching the educational experience for all participants.