Opening ceremony of the 6th Asia Pacific Military Nursing Exchange was held at the Samudra Ball Room, Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo on 6th August 2012. Dr. Palitha Maheepala Secretary Ministry of Health Sri Lanka graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Air Vice Marshal Kolitha Gunathilake  the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Major General Kimberly Siniscalchi Air Force Assistant Surgeon General Nursing Services of the US Air Force and senior officers of Sri Lanka Air Force were also present.

The goal of this annual gathering is to provide a forum for military nurses to explore challenges, opportunities and diverse experiences related to military nursing practices and research.

The theme of this year's exchange is " Infection Control and traumatic injury management in the military: Build Competence, gain confidence and initiate Change"