AWARENESS SESSION CONDUCTED BY 14 CBRNE RESPONSE REGIMENT TRAINING TEAM AT HILTON COLOMBO RESIDENCES

In response to a request from the Safety and Security Department of Hilton Colombo Residences and under the directive of the Ministry of Defence, the 14 CBRNE Response Regiment Training Team conducted an awareness session. This initiative was overseen by the Commander of the Army, with close supervision from the Chief Field Engineer and guidance from the Commander Engineer Division.

The awareness session, held on 24 June 2024, at the Ballroom in Hilton Colombo Residences, focused on bomb threats, explosives, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the responsibilities of security personnel, CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) threats, and basic response drills. The session was attended by 50 staff members from various sectors of the hotel.

The session was divided into three segments. The first session educated participants about their roles and responsibilities as security personnel within the hotel environment, emphasizing vigilance, communication protocols, and emergency response procedures. The second session provided a detailed lecture on the nature and types of bomb threats and explosives, along with information on the identification and handling of IEDs. Additionally, it covered an overview of CBRN threats and associated risks. Staff members were educated on the signs of potential threats and the immediate actions to take in such scenarios, thereby enhancing their preparedness for various security threats. The third session included hands-on training on the identification of explosives and related accessories, demonstrations of different methods for detecting IEDs, training on body search techniques and area search procedures, and instruction on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during CBRN incidents. Participants developed practical skills essential for identifying and responding to security threats, improving their confidence in handling potential security incidents.

The organizing committee highly appreciated the efforts and expertise of the training team. They extended their thanks to the Secretary of Defence, the Commander of the Army, and all senior officers involved in coordinating the event. Participants found the sessions highly informative and beneficial, expressing a keen interest in further knowledge on these subjects and indicating a desire to organize similar events in the future.