Navy’s CBRN Unit conducts joint exercise at port of Colombo

The Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Unit of the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a joint CBRN exercise at the port of Colombo on 19th November 2024.

This exercise was aimed to enhance the knowledge and awareness of the participants of the ongoing Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) programme among Montana National Guard, United States Coast Guard (District 13) and Sri Lanka Air Force. Further, officials from Central Environmental Authority, Marine Environment Protection Authority, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Airport Aviation Services (SL), Ministry of Health, and Disaster Management Centre were among the participants.

This exercise jointly conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy CBRN Team and the Port Fire Service, was particularly designed to improve participants' knowledge in identifying CBRN incidents, thereby contributing to the overall safety and security of critical seaport infrastructure.

Under the directives of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Sri Lanka Navy has strategically established dedicated CBRN Units at all major harbours throughout the nation, including Colombo, Galle, Hambantota, Trincomalee, and Kankasanthurai (KKS). These units are staffed with highly trained first responders who are prepared to rapidly and effectively manage any CBRN incidents occurring within harbour premises or in the surrounding territorial waters.