NOLES– 2017 commences in Welisaraි
 

US Pacific Command’s premier multi-lateral theater security cooperation event, the Non-Lethal Weapons Executive Seminar (NOLES) 2017 and Field Training Exercise (FTX) commenced at SLNS Gemunu in Welisara today (21 August 2017). The Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Niraja Attygalle attended the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest.

Deputy Defence Attaché of the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, Mr. Jacob English, Director Naval Land Operations, Commodore Udeni Serasinghe, senior naval officers and sailors from the US and Sri Lanka navies were also present at the inauguration of NOLES 2017.

NOLES 2017 is a two-segment event consisting of both a Field Training Exercise conducted by the US Marine Corps Forces and Sri Lanka Navy, and a leadership seminar which is scheduled to kick off on 30^th August at the Hotel Galadari in Colombo. Seventeen (17) US Marine Corps Forces personnel are taking part in this year’s FTX imparting much needed non-lethal skills to their Sri Lanka Navy counterparts.

The programme organized for the 16^th time aims to promote the use of non-lethal capabilities that minimize loss of life and damage to infrastructure and seek new ways to handle unrest in order to prevent human rights violation. Meanwhile, the executive seminar will provide a common platform to all stakeholders to deliberate on issues related to peace support operations.