A special emergency health security drill was conducted at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport on 07 August 2026 to enhance preparedness for managing a suspected case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) involving an arriving passenger. The primary objective of the exercise was to enhance preparedness for infectious disease emergencies that may occur within an international Airport environment, with particular emphasis on highly infectious and potentially life-threatening diseases such as Ebola Virus Diseases (EVD).The exercise also focused on ensuring that Airport personnel are capable of responding promptly and safely while minimizing the potential risk of exposure and transmission among passengers, airport employees and other personnel operating within the Airport environment.

Personnel from the Sri Lanka Air Force CBRNE Unit, together with the health staff of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Quarantine unit and Epidemiology unit of the Ministry of Health, Regional Director of Health Services at Hambanthota participated in the exercise. Their coordinated involvement highlighted the importance of Inter-agency cooperation in managing Biological and other hazardous incidents in a complex Operational environment such as an International Airport.

 Particular attention was given to the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), safe handling of suspected infectious cases, controlled movement of personnel, isolation procedure and coordination with medical and public health authorities. The exercise also provided an opportunity to identify potential gaps and areas requiring further improvement in existing emergency response procedures. Furthermore, the participation of the Sri Lanka Air Force CBRNE unit demonstrated the important role of specialized response capabilities in supporting Airport authorities during a biological emergency situation.