Search and Rescue Swift Water Training Programme commences at RABS HQ
 

A Search and Rescue Swift Water Training Programme coordinated by the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD) commenced at the Rapid Action Boat Squadron’s Headquarters (RABS HQ) under the patronage of Commanding Officer RABS HQ, Commander Prasanna Hettiarachichi today (16^th January).

A-PAD Sri Lanka, headed by its present Director, Group Captain Firzan Hashim (Retd), has selected RABS HQ as the venue for this eight-day training programme. Accordingly, the Search and Rescue Swift Water Training Programme is scheduled to be held from 16^th to 23^rd January at the lagoon area of Gangewadiya in Eluwankulam, Puttalam. Meanwhile, the programme will be conducted in two stages for the armed force personnel and civilian organizations.

A-PAD Japan has augmented the programme with 06 International Expert Trainers, who will be partnering with Sri Lankan Navy RABS Search and Rescue instructors. Under its Military Phase, personnel from the Navy’s Rapid Response Rescue and Relief Unit (4RU), members from the Army, Air Force and Police will take part in the exercise. On the other hand, volunteer organizations and the general public will also make their presence, under Civilian Phase.

The final simulation exercise is scheduled to be held on 23^rd January in the presence of Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Hemasiri Fernando, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva and a host of senior officers, at the RABS HQ.