22nd December 2019 21:29:54 Hours
The Instructor Team of Corps of Engineers Sri Lanka Army on the Invitation of MNDF deployed at Headquarters, Central Area Kadhdhoo Island, at Laamu Atoll has successfully concluded the Bomb and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Training Basic Course (BIEDDT) on 18 December 2019 producing 35 well qualified EOD and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) Operators. The student participants constituted with three Officers and thirty two Other Ranks representing various services of MNDF. The ten weeks comprehensive training module was designed to train and to enhance the skills and potentials of EOD and IEDD Operators enabling them to undertake independent IEDD and EOD Operations. Lieutenant Abdulla Shahid of Costal Guard was excelled in the course was emerged as the first in order of merit securing aggregate over 82 percent.
The Commander MNDF Central Area Colonel Mohamed Ibrahim graced the Closing Ceremony as the Chief Guest and the Commander Ordnance Service MNDF Colonel Mohamed Shareef represented Chief of the Defence Force (CDF). The Chief Guest during his key note address greatly appreciated the training assistance extended by the Corps of Engineers Sri Lanka Army. Further he paid his courteous appreciation to the Colonel Commandant Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers and the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army for the invaluable training opportunity given. A large gathering of senior Officers including staff of the Headquarters MNDF Central area and Other Ranks of MNDF were presented at the closing ceremony. Upon completion of the BIEDDT Basic Course the seven weeks advance course will commence for 24 students on first week of January 2020. Ten member Instructor Team is headed by Lieutenant Colonel Chandana Wickramanayake Colonel Project, Headquarters Engineer Brigade.
The exercise code named Exercise Amaan Hahdhunmathi designed in cooperating EOD and IEDD Operations to secure Laamu Atoll marked the termination of the training events of the BIEDDT Basic Course. The students’ performances were found commendable during the execution of exercise as an independent EOD and IEDD members and as team commanders. The Commander Ordnance Services, MNDF Colonel Ahamed Shareef and Captain Ibrahim Shahid Head of the Education Department of College of Defence and Security Studies (CDSS) MNDF were attended the exercise as observers.
