In addressing the dearth of a vital force multiplier for Regiment Field Squadrons deployed in Air Base Defence the induction of sniper training within the Sri Lanka Air Force commenced with the No. 1 Sniper Training Course at SLAF Station Ampara. This initiative was done with the blessings of the Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Sumangala Dias and under the supervision of the Director Ground Operations, Air Vice Marshal Lenard Rodrigue.

The opening address of the newly designed No. 1 Defensive and Limited Offensive Sniper Course for SLAF personnel was held at the Regimental Training Centre at SLAF Station Ampara under the patronage of the Commanding Officer, Air Commodore Suresh Fernando on 17 June 2020.

This course is designed to train highly skilled Riflemen to become strategic defensive and limited offensive snipers with acquiring a new dimension of knowledge and skills related to Marksmanship, Range Estimation, Stalking and Target Acquisition. 

A total of 12 trainees got selected to undergo this course of training within a 60 working day tenure. On successful completion of the course these trainees will be capable of performing duties in the capacity of Snipers in Air Base Defence and Law Enforcement Marksmen in internal security and for United Nation Operations.