The Certificate and Badge Awarding Ceremony of the No. 49 Officers’, No. 10 Lady Officers’, No. 65 Airmen’s, No. 18 Airwomen’s and No. 40 Navy Personnel Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Basic Courses was held today (14 January 2026) at SLAF Station Palavi. The ceremony marked the successful completion of intensive training by 25 personnel from the Sri Lanka Air Force and Sri Lanka Navy. The event was graced by the Director General Ground Operations, Air Vice Marshal Ruwan Chandima, as the Chief Guest.

The EOD Basic Course is designed to develop highly skilled professionals capable of identifying, neutralizing and disposing of explosive threats in complex and high-risk environments. These EOD specialists play a vital role in national security, contributing to counter-terrorism efforts, disaster response and enhancing operational readiness across all branches of the armed forces.

The parade consisted of three male officers, one lady officer, 12 airmen and four airwomen from the SLAF, along with five sailors from the Sri Lanka Navy. The parade was commanded by the Officer-In-Charge Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training School (EODTS), Squadron Leader Hiran Pathirana. A total of 25 trainees were awarded certificates and EOD badges, formally recognizing their successful completion of the respective EOD Basic Courses.

Special award winners of the courses are as follows.

BEST IN ALL ROUND EOD - OFFICER
Flight Lieutenant HDTI Sirimanna

BEST IN ALL ROUND EOD - OTHER RANKS
Leading Aircraftman Herath HMDM

BEST STUDENT IN ACADEMICS - OFFICERS 
Flight Lieutenant HDTI Sirimanna

BEST STUDENT IN ACADEMICS - OTHER RANKS
Abel Seaman WMSL Wijesinghe

BEST IN PRACTICAL 
Flight Lieutenant HDTI Sirimanna

BEST IN IED FABRICATER 
Flying Officer PDGNA Dissanayake

BEST IN PHYSICAL FITNESS
Leading Aircraftman Herath HMDM