The special training programme conducted for International Maritime Law Enforcement Officers concludes successfully

Two week long Visit Board Search & Seizure (VBSS) Officer Course conducted for Maritime Law Enforcement officers of Republic of Indonesia, Malaysia, Republic of Philippines, Kingdom of Thailand, Socialist Republic of Vietnam attached to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Programme concluded on 30^th November with the certificate awarding ceremony at the Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda Auditorium, Trincomalee.

The event was graced by the Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral DNS Ulugetenne as the chief guest whist the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka His Excellency, Mr. Akira Sugiyama and Director Operations of UNODC Ms. Miwa Kato attended as Guest of Honours of the Ceremony. Further, High commissioners and ambassadors to Sri Lanka from Malaysia, Kingdom of Thailand and Socialist republic of Vietnam, members of Diplomatic Missions, senior naval officer representing the coast guard of Indonesia, officials from UNODC, Commander Eastern Naval Area, Heads of Departments in the Eastern Naval Area and the instructors of Special Boat Squadron Training School were also present at the event.

This special training programme was carried out to enable the participants to collaborate with experienced SLN personnel to hone their knowledge mainly on drug identification, drug transferring methods and planning, preparation and boarding procedures.

Total sixteen (16) foreign students such as three officers (03) from Republic of Indonesia, three (03) officers from Malaysia, three (03) officers from Republic of Philippines, four (4) officers from Kingdom of Thailand, and three (03) officers from Socialist Republic of Vietnam successfully completed the course. Following the certificate awarding ceremony, student officers of the course demonstrated VBSS exercise with the presence of dignitaries.

The ceremony preceded the foundation laying and unveiling ceremony of UNODC funded three story building and “Ship In a Box” VBSS simulator which was held at the Special Boat Squadron Headquarters.