The Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc has elevated his mind to the explore the training in the field of humanitarian assistance & disaster relief operation where as the Sri Lanka Army is to be trained, decisive and respected locally and internationally and to ensure our Army to be strong and ready to be the strength and confidence of our nation’s defence, safety and prosperity. Further, the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc emphasis training is one of the key functions of an Army. It is an unremitting process of forward thinking; innovative and aggressive, based on understanding of envelopment of warfare and adapting training in to meet pertinent challenges. It encompasses instructions and applies exercises for acquiring and retaining knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes necessary to complete specific military tasks. This is a process intended to establish and improve professionalism of military personal in accomplishing their responsibilities.

As per an astute concept of the former Commander of the Sri Lanka Army Lieutenant General NUMMW Senanayake RWP RSP VSV USP USACGSC, the Sri Lanka Army Centre for Disaster Response Training was formed on 30 October 2018 at Nochchiyagama. Lieutenant Colonel KPSA Amarakoon RSP GW was appointed as the first Officiating Commandant of the Centre for Disaster Response Training. With immense support and directions of the Commander, Army Training Command and the Director General Training, Major General WA Wanniarachchi WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc the initial planning and preparation of training syllabi was conducted in Nochchiyagama.

However, the ground imperatives and training facilities were not suited for the Disaster Response Training. Hence, a ground survey and appreciations were conducted by the Officiating Commandant Lieutenant Colonel KPSA Amarakoon RSP GW and his Staff. Finally, a suitability report has raised about the location at Atabage, Gampola where the 2^nd Battalion Sri Lanka Riffle Corps was initially located. Thereafter, with the approval of the Army Headquarters the center was shifted to Atabage, Gampola and formally inaugurated on 02 February 2019. The Colonel Training (Local), Colonel WASR Wijedasa WWV RSP USP psc has involved immensely in all administrative and training assistance. At the inauguration the organization comprised with 10 Officers and 43 Other Ranks staff.

With the great and instant requirement of the country the first Disaster Response Training Course was started on 07 February 2019 with very limited resources. Nevertheless, 04 Officers and 99 Other Ranks students have participated in the course.

Lt Col GAT Godewatta RWP RSP GR as the first Commanding Officer, Major JAMP Gunarathna RWP RSP as the 1^st Chief Instructor CDRT, Maj IDS Dharmarathna RSP Isc as the 1^st Chief Instructor Life Saving Wing CDRT, Capt SJ Sugathadasa RSP SLA as the 1^st Adjutant and WO II Jagodaarachchi CP as the 1^st Regimental Sergeant Major assumed duties.