EXERCISE ATLAS ANGEL - II – 2026 COMMENCES AT SLAF BASE KATUNAYAKE
The bilateral exercise, 'Atlas Angel – II - 2026,' led by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), commenced today (31 August 2026) at No 2 Squadron, SLAF Base Katunayake. This comprehensive five-day training will be conducted in partnership with the Montana National Guard (MTNG) and marks a significant collaboration between the United States and Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Police, with the observers from the United Kingdom, Bangladesh Air Force and civilian experts from the Disaster Management Centre, Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka (AASL), National Authority for Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Conventions in Sri Lanka (NACWC), Suwa Seriya, Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (SLAERC), Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB) and Sri Lanka Coast Guard.
A total of 347 personnel, including 71 foreign participants, are scheduled to engage in the exercise, which focuses on Search and Rescue (SAR) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). The programme includes Eight (8) Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) covering areas such as C-130 aircraft maintenance and Sling Load, Incident Command System (ICS), CBRNE, Performing Arts, Landslide, Urban SAR, Medical and Construction Engineering. These operations will be conducted primarily at SLAF Base Katunayake, with selected sessions at SLAF DMTS Digana. The exercise will be supported by Bell 412 and B-212 helicopters.
The exercise is aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and readiness in addressing natural and man-made disasters and will feature a series of workshops, briefings and training sessions. These events are designed to improve mutual understanding and coordination in disaster response efforts and will provide an in-depth look at both Sri Lanka's and the United States' disaster management structures and processes.
The Inauguration Ceremony was attended by the Director General Planning, Air Vice Marshal Deshapriya Silva, Director General Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Dhammika Dias, Base Commander SLAF Base Katunayake, Air Vice Marshal Amitha Jayamaha (Overall Coordinator), Air Adjutant General MTNG, Brigadier Gen. Trance N. Thomas, Army Assistant Adjutant General MTNG, Brigadier General Renea V. Dovvall, Defence Advisor United Kingdom, Colonel Keith Miles, State Partnership Program Director, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Cory, Commanding Officer No 2 Squadron, Wing Commander Kasun Kumara (Lead Planner), Senior Officers and exercise participants including both foreign and local.
Open Ceremony
A total of 347 personnel, including 71 foreign participants, are scheduled to engage in the exercise, which focuses on Search and Rescue (SAR) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). The programme includes Eight (8) Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) covering areas such as C-130 aircraft maintenance and Sling Load, Incident Command System (ICS), CBRNE, Performing Arts, Landslide, Urban SAR, Medical and Construction Engineering. These operations will be conducted primarily at SLAF Base Katunayake, with selected sessions at SLAF DMTS Digana. The exercise will be supported by Bell 412 and B-212 helicopters.
The exercise is aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and readiness in addressing natural and man-made disasters and will feature a series of workshops, briefings and training sessions. These events are designed to improve mutual understanding and coordination in disaster response efforts and will provide an in-depth look at both Sri Lanka's and the United States' disaster management structures and processes.
The Inauguration Ceremony was attended by the Director General Planning, Air Vice Marshal Deshapriya Silva, Director General Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Dhammika Dias, Base Commander SLAF Base Katunayake, Air Vice Marshal Amitha Jayamaha (Overall Coordinator), Air Adjutant General MTNG, Brigadier Gen. Trance N. Thomas, Army Assistant Adjutant General MTNG, Brigadier General Renea V. Dovvall, Defence Advisor United Kingdom, Colonel Keith Miles, State Partnership Program Director, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Cory, Commanding Officer No 2 Squadron, Wing Commander Kasun Kumara (Lead Planner), Senior Officers and exercise participants including both foreign and local.
Open Ceremony
knowledge Sharing Session @ CBRNE Wing
Official Visit to the Performing Arts Wing
