23rd January 2026 14:48:48 Hours
The 14 CBRNE Response Regiment of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers conducted a PreDeployment Training Programme on 21 January 2026 for troops scheduled to deploy with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) at the Institute of Peace Support Operations Training Sri Lanka (IPSOTSL). This training programme was conducted under the guidance of the Office of the Chief Field Engineer and the Engineer Division, with the objective of preparing personnel designated for deployment with the Level II Hospital at UNMISS to operate safely and effectively in a complex and threat-prone mission environment. During the programme, special emphasis was placed on enhancing the awareness and understanding of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which continue to pose a significant threat in peacekeeping operations. The troops were educated on recognising IEDs, identifying potential explosive hazards through Ground Sign Awareness, and understanding the indicators and patterns associated with explosive threats in operational areas. Additionally, the training covered IED-related incident response procedures, enabling personnel to understand the correct actions to be taken during suspected or confirmed explosive incidents in order to minimize risk and ensure safety.
The programme also included practical training sessions where troops were trained on conducting Personal Threat Assessments and Basic Search procedures in a realistic environment. These practical activities enhanced situational awareness, decision-making ability, and individual confidence, ensuring that personnel are better prepared to respond to explosive hazards during their operational duties. The successful conduct of this training programme significantly enhanced the operational readiness and survivability of troops deploying on UN peacekeeping duties and reaffirmed the commitment of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, particularly the 14 CBRNE Response Regiment, to maintaining high professional standards and providing mission-specific training in support of international peace support operations.