Non-Lethal Weapons Executive Seminar concludes on successful note
 

The Non-Lethal Weapons Executive Seminar (NOLES), second segment of the US Pacific Command’s premier multi-lateral theatre security cooperation event organized in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Navy came to its successful end today (01 September 2017). The NOLES got underway at the Hotel Galadari in Colombo on 30 August. The closing ceremony of the programme was graced by the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe, as the Chief Guest.

The Non-Lethal Weapons Executive Seminar which was held for three consecutive days with the participation of both local and foreign dignitaries, provided a common platform for all stakeholders to deliberate on issues related to peace support operations.

Meanwhile, the 09-day NOLES Field Training Exercise (FTX) was conducted at the Welisara Naval Complex prior to the commencement of its Executive Seminar. 140 Sri Lanka Navy personnel took part in the FTX held under the supervision of seventeen (17) US Marine Corps Forces personnel. The effort promoted the use of non-lethal capabilities that minimize loss of life and damage to infrastructure and sought new ways to handle unrest in order to prevent human rights violation.

Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Piyal De Silva, forty-one (41) military personnel representing 18 foreign countries, six (06) representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), senior officers and other ranks from the tri services and Police also took part in this year’s Executive Seminar.