REGIMENT SPECIAL FORCES SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCTED NO. 10 SEARCH AND RESCUE COURSE FOR FOREIGN AND RSF PERSONNEL
The Regiment Special Forces (RSF) Training School at SLAF Station Morawewa conducted the No.10 Search and Rescue Course from 06 July 2026 to 14 August 2026. The course comprised with 20 RSF personnel including one (01) Foreign Training Officers (Representing Garud Commando Force) from Indian Air Force.
Search and Rescue Courses for foreign and RSF personnel have been specially designed to foster professionalism while enhancing mutual knowledge and experience on Search and Rescue Operations with Armed Forces of friendly foreign nations. Throughout the course, various modules were covered including Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR), Sea Rescue, High Angle Rescue, Urban Rescue operations, High Altitude Training Phase, Tower Training, Casualty Management and Combat First Aid. Additionally, participants attended workshops at the Disaster Management Centre in Colombo and the Institute of Surveying and Mapping in Diyatalawa.
A significant achievement of the course was the successful qualification of 12 RSF personnel as HRST (Helicopter Rope Suspension Technique) Masters. The newly qualified HRST Masters were awarded certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the required training and assessment. This achievement further strengthens the operational capability of the Regiment Special Forces in conducting specialized helicopter insertion and extraction operations.
In addition to the ground exercises, helicopter rappelling, rope rescue, STABO, and winch operation training were successfully conducted. These activities were designed to enhance confidence and synergy among RSF troops, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet future SAR mission requirements. This training also focused on improving coordination with SLAF helicopter squadrons, facilitating seamless integration during rescue operations.
Search and Rescue Courses for foreign and RSF personnel have been specially designed to foster professionalism while enhancing mutual knowledge and experience on Search and Rescue Operations with Armed Forces of friendly foreign nations. Throughout the course, various modules were covered including Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR), Sea Rescue, High Angle Rescue, Urban Rescue operations, High Altitude Training Phase, Tower Training, Casualty Management and Combat First Aid. Additionally, participants attended workshops at the Disaster Management Centre in Colombo and the Institute of Surveying and Mapping in Diyatalawa.
A significant achievement of the course was the successful qualification of 12 RSF personnel as HRST (Helicopter Rope Suspension Technique) Masters. The newly qualified HRST Masters were awarded certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the required training and assessment. This achievement further strengthens the operational capability of the Regiment Special Forces in conducting specialized helicopter insertion and extraction operations.
In addition to the ground exercises, helicopter rappelling, rope rescue, STABO, and winch operation training were successfully conducted. These activities were designed to enhance confidence and synergy among RSF troops, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet future SAR mission requirements. This training also focused on improving coordination with SLAF helicopter squadrons, facilitating seamless integration during rescue operations.
Under the guidance of the Commanding Officer Sri Lanka Air Force Station Morawewa, Gp Capt Nilindra Perera, the closing ceremony was held yesterday, 13 August 2024 at SLAF Station Morawewa, and the occasion was graced by the Acting Commanding Officer of Regiment Special Forces, Sqn Ldr Shakkyabandara, who presented as the Chief Guest. Certificates were awarded to the trainees who successfully completed the training including Sqn Ldr Pradeep Meta from Indian Air Force, and RSF personnel, recognizing their achievement in completing the course.
