22nd October 2024 23:05:12 Hours
In a major initiative aimed at enhancing the Sri Lanka Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capabilities, a familiarization training programme was launched on 20 October at the Home of Sappers, Mattegoda. The training featured the use of advanced REOD 4000 and REOD 400 EOD robots and other specialized disposal equipment donated by the People’s Republic of China. The event highlighted the growing defense cooperation between the two nations.
Major General Lanka Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc, Commander of Security Forces (West) and Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers was graced as the Guest of Honour for the formal Opening Ceremony of the training programme, held on 21 October. During his remarks, Major General Lanka Amarapala emphasized the importance of bilateral defense cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, particularly in developing the skills and knowledge of officers and other ranks to confront the evolving challenges posed by EOD threats.
The programme commenced with a coordinating conference, chaired by Major General TC Peiris RSP USP, the Chief Field Engineer of the Sri Lanka Army. Other key participants included Brigadier SPG Gamage RWP RSP USP the General Officer Commanding of the Engineer Division, as well as senior representatives from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. These included Senior Colonel Zhou Bo, Defence Attaché, Colonel Gao Bin, Deputy Defence Attaché, and Colonel Yuan Wei, the team leader of the EOD Robot Operational Team. Members of Beijing Jingpin Tezhuang Technology Company, the manufacturer of the donated equipment, were also actively involved in the coordination and training sessions.
A total of 20 officers and 40 other ranks participated in the familiarisation training, which focused on operationalising the newly donated EOD robots and associated equipment. This programme serves as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to equip the Sri Lanka Army with modern technology, enabling it to effectively address emerging security challenges. The success of this initiative reflects the dedication of the Sri Lanka Engineers Corps to maintaining a high state of readiness for EOD operations.
