31st July 2025
In a notable gesture of bilateral defense cooperation, the United States Embassy in Sri Lanka officially donated a consignment of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training equipment to the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering (SLSME) on 30 June 2025. The handover ceremony, held at the SLSME premises in Embilipitiya, marked a significant milestone in the growing defense and technical collaboration between the United States and Sri Lanka, underscoring a shared commitment to regional security and military professionalism.
The donation was made in response to a formal request by the SLSME, which had identified a critical need for modern, field-relevant training equipment to enhance the operational readiness of its EOD curriculum. The procurement process was coordinated in close consultation with the Sri Lanka Army Engineer Division and the Office of the Chief Field Engineer (CFE), ensuring timely and effective delivery of the consignment.
The ceremonial handover was attended by four senior officials from the U.S. military, whose presence reflected the continued strength and strategic depth of the defense partnership between the two nations. The event was hosted with full military decorum by the Commandant of SLSME, Colonel J.A.C.S. Jagoda, psc, together with the officers and staff of the School, who extended a warm and respectful welcome to the visiting U.S. delegation.
Further building on this momentum, the U.S. delegation, in collaboration with the United States Army Pacific Command, successfully conducted the inaugural Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Course at SLSME from 21 to 25 July 2025.
This vital training initiative represents another key step toward improving the medical readiness and survivability of Sri Lankan military engineers in combat situations.
Experienced instructors including Sergeant Kyle Moore, Sergeant Taylor Michael, and Private First Class Marco Rocha delivered essential hands-on training in life-saving battlefield techniques.
As a foundational component of the broader EOD Level 01 training programme, the TCCC course equips sappers with the critical skills necessary to provide immediate medical care in high-pressure operational environments.
Together, these initiatives, the donation of specialized EOD training equipment and the successful completion of the TCCC course was held highlighting the deepening defense ties between the Sri Lanka and United States.
