Fire and Rescue Services in SLAF together with Hashima City Fire Department (Japan) successfully conducted a fire and rescue training programme at the Fire School and Fire Tender Maintenance Squadron at SLAF Base Katunayake from the 18th to the 19th of December 2019. Coordination was done by Japan Lanka Friendship Association and the following two fire experts from Japan conducted the sessions.

• Fire Captain Fuchigami Shinichiro
• Fire Lieutenant Yamada Kazufumi

A total of 61 SLAF personnel attended the training programme under the supervision of Chief Fire Officer, Wing Commander RMCJK Ratnayake and Acting Commanding Officer of the Fire School and Fire Tender Maintenance Squadron, Squadron Leader HKA De Alwis.

Following specialized areas were covered during the programme.

• Sky Ladder Operation and Rescue.
• New rescue techniques for domestic firefighting and high angle rescue.
• Technique assessment on breathing apparatus, respirators, airline equipment and hazmat operation.
• Search and rescue procedures and techniques.