ASSISTANCE AND PROTECTION BASIC COURSE CONDUCTED BY NACWC TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS FOR CHEMICAL EMERGENCIES

The National Authority for Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), under the Ministry of Defence, successfully conducted the Assistance and Protection Basic Course from 13 to 17 October 2025 at No. 49 CBRNE Wing, Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake. The Director NACWC, Base Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake, Commanding Officer of No.49 CBRNE Wing Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake, NACWC Staff and twenty (20) participants from Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Special Task Force and Fire brigades were presented at the inauguration ceremony. The program was designed to enhance national capacity in responding to chemical emergencies and strengthen Sri Lanka’s compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
The five-day course combined both theoretical and practical training sessions, equipping participants with essential knowledge and operational skills to manage chemical incidents effectively. Lectures and demonstrations were delivered by experienced professionals from NACWC, Sri Lanka Air Force, and Ministry of Health.
The programme covered key areas such as an introduction to NACWC and OPCW, chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, fire chemistry, and GHS labeling. Participants received hands-on training in PPE use, SCBA operation, decontamination, and chemical detection. Sessions also addressed emergency management, medical treatment, and the use of ERG and CAMEO software. The course concluded with tabletop exercises and a full-scale emergency response drill.
The event underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to building national expertise in chemical safety and emergency response, in alignment with OPCW objectives. By strengthening inter-agency coordination and technical readiness, NACWC continues to play a vital role in safeguarding the nation from chemical threats and ensuring the peaceful use of chemistry.
At the closing ceremony the certificates were awarded for the participants for successful completion of the course by the Director of NACWC Sri Lanka, Deputy Base Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake and Commanding Officer of No.49 CBRNE Wing Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake.