SLAF CONDUCTS JOINT FIRE AND RESCUE DRILL AT CENTRAL BANK HEADQUARTERS
A comprehensive fire and rescue drill was successfully conducted today (05 August 2025) at the Central Bank Headquarters in Colombo, with the participation of the Sri Lanka Air Force Fire and Rescue Unit. The exercise was aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness, testing response procedures and strengthening coordination during high-rise fire incidents.
The drill was conducted under the guidance of Director General Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Deshapriya Silva and was closely supervised by Chief Fire Officer of the SLAF, Group Captain Hemantha Baalasooriya, together with the Commanding Officer of the Fire School and Fire Tender Maintenance Squadron (FS&FTMS), Group Captain Chamil Hettiarachchi.
A total of 30 highly skilled SLAF firefighters participated in the exercise. The drill was led by Chief Instructor of FS&FTMS, Squadron Leader Roshan Gangodawila, who served as the Exercise Commander. The rope rescue operations were conducted under the direction of Squadron Leader Niroshan Mayuranga.
The Colombo Fire Brigade also took part in the exercise, working in coordination with SLAF teams to ensure effective integration of joint response capabilities.
hypothetical scenario was recently simulated involving a fire outbreak on the 6th floor of the Central Bank building, caused by an electrical surge. During this drill, Sri Lanka Air Force firefighters demonstrated their operational competencies through the effective use of breathing apparatus, high-angle rescue techniques, and rope rescue operations. The exercise highlighted the SLAF’s capability, professionalism, and efficiency in managing high-risk emergencies in urban settings. It also underlined the importance of regular joint training and strong inter-agency coordination in strengthening overall emergency response and safeguarding vital national infrastructure.
The drill was conducted under the guidance of Director General Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Deshapriya Silva and was closely supervised by Chief Fire Officer of the SLAF, Group Captain Hemantha Baalasooriya, together with the Commanding Officer of the Fire School and Fire Tender Maintenance Squadron (FS&FTMS), Group Captain Chamil Hettiarachchi.
A total of 30 highly skilled SLAF firefighters participated in the exercise. The drill was led by Chief Instructor of FS&FTMS, Squadron Leader Roshan Gangodawila, who served as the Exercise Commander. The rope rescue operations were conducted under the direction of Squadron Leader Niroshan Mayuranga.
The Colombo Fire Brigade also took part in the exercise, working in coordination with SLAF teams to ensure effective integration of joint response capabilities.
hypothetical scenario was recently simulated involving a fire outbreak on the 6th floor of the Central Bank building, caused by an electrical surge. During this drill, Sri Lanka Air Force firefighters demonstrated their operational competencies through the effective use of breathing apparatus, high-angle rescue techniques, and rope rescue operations. The exercise highlighted the SLAF’s capability, professionalism, and efficiency in managing high-risk emergencies in urban settings. It also underlined the importance of regular joint training and strong inter-agency coordination in strengthening overall emergency response and safeguarding vital national infrastructure.
