Strengthening Civil-Military Cooperation through A-PAD Swift Water SAR Training 2024

In June 2024, Kithulgala, Sri Lanka, became the focal point for disaster preparedness as the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD) conducted its Level-2 Swift Water Search and Rescue (SAR) Training. Partnering with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of Sri Lanka, this event focused on enhancing the skills of civil and military personnel in swift water rescue

Operations.

Major General Udaya Herath (Retd), Director General of the DMC, highlighted the importance of
the training, praising the professionalism and expertise brought by A-PAD. He emphasized, "The 24 civil and military personnel who qualify today with higher skill levels in international swift water
search and rescue are a testament to our commitment to a 'Safer Sri Lanka.'" Air Vice Marshal C.
Wickramaratne, Director General Ground Operations of the Sri Lanka Air Force, lauded the cohesive approach, stating it would contribute significantly to both local and global disaster response efforts.
The training, held on the rapids of the Kelani River, included rigorous simulations and hands-on
exercises, covering rope skills, swimming, boat handling, and advanced SAR techniques. Participants transformed their individual skills into team efficiency, preparing them for real-world rescue
missions.

Firzan Hashim, COO of A-PAD and Country Director of A-PAD SL, expressed appreciation to the tri-forces, the DMC, and the private sector for their collaboration and volunteerism. "By fostering a prepared workforce capable of rapid response and resource management, SAR training enhances our national disaster response capacity and contributes to international
disaster relief efforts," he said. The event underscored the vital role of civil-military cooperation in disaster management, promising a more resilient future for Sri Lanka in the face of natural
disasters.
A-PAD SL extends its heartfelt appreciation to the support rendered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan through the Official Development Assistance (ODA), the Embassy of Japan in Sri
 
Lanka, and the People of Japan for their unwavering commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and response efforts in Sri Lanka and the Asia-Pacific region.

Graduates of the Swift Water SAR training posing with their certificates.

Participants in the Swift Water SAR training navigating the rapids of Kelani River.