21st May 2025 14:02:46 Hours
A high level evaluation team from the United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC) visited the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering (SLSME) on 14 May 2025 to conduct a feasibility study on identifying existing training facilities for International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) training.
The team was warmly received by Colonel JACS Jagoda psc, the Commandant of SLSME, who extended a cordial welcome and provided an overview of the school’s capabilities. Following the reception, a detailed briefing session was conducted, highlighting the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training, available training facilities and equipment at SLSME.
The USARPAC delegation, led by Mr Suani Tafiaina Nusila – USARPAC Subject Matter Expert was accompanied by Wing Commander Kapila Dissanayake (Retd), Security Cooperation Specialist at the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, along with two other USARPAC representatives, toured the EOD model rooms and lecture halls to assess the infrastructure. The team also conducted a demolition range survey at Kachchigala, evaluating its suitability for advanced IMAS compliant training programs.
This visit marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral military cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United States in the field of humanitarian mine action and EOD training. The feasibility study aims to align SLSME’s training programs with global IMAS standards, ensuring that Sri Lanka remains a key regional hub for counter-explosive hazard training.
Colonel Jagoda expressed his gratitude to the USARPAC team for their interest in SLSME’s capabilities and reaffirmed the Sri Lanka Army’s commitment to excellence in military engineering and mine action training.
