The official commencement of the Regional Training Cycle on Assistance and Protection for Member States in Asia took place yesterday (18 May 2026) in Colombo and scheduled to be conducted till 22 May 2026. This landmark international training program is hosted by the SLAF No 49 CBRNE Wing in collaboration with, National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) and Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The core objective of this intensive training program is to significantly enhance the knowledge, tactical readiness and response capabilities of first responders when mitigating chemical warfare incidents and managing toxic industrial chemicals. 
 
The inauguration was graced by the Director NACWC, Air Vice Marshal Shehan Wijayanayake, the Commanding Officer No 49 CBRNE Wing, Wing Commander Daham Wickramarathne and officials from OPCW. Throughout the five-day cycle, 24 foreign and seven local participants will engage in theoretical modules and practical scenarios designed to standardize chemical threat mitigation protocols across Asian member states.