Colombo: The bilateral military exercise, ‘Atlas Angel – II – 2026,’ spearheaded by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), commenced at No 2 Squadron, SLAF Base Katunayake. This extensive five-day event is held in collaboration with the Montana National Guard (MTNG) and signifies a profound cooperation between the United States and Sri Lankan military forces, including the Army, Navy, and Police. Observers from the United Kingdom, Bangladesh Air Force, and various civilian experts from Sri Lankan organizations are also participating.
According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, a total of 347 personnel, including 71 international participants, are set to engage in the exercise, which emphasizes Search and Rescue (SAR) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). The program features eight Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) in areas such as C-130 aircraft maintenance, sling load operations, Incident Command System (ICS), CBRNE, performing arts, landslide management, urban SAR, medical response, and
construction engineering. While the primary venue for these operations is SLAF Base Katunayake, selected sessions will occur at SLAF DMTS Digana, supported by Bell 412 and B-212 helicopters.
The objective of the exercise is to enhance bilateral cooperation and readiness for addressing natural and man-made disasters. It will offer a series of workshops, briefings, and training sessions aimed at improving mutual understanding and coordination in disaster response. These activities will provide an in-depth exploration of both Sri Lanka’s and the United States’ disaster management frameworks and procedures.
The Inauguration Ceremony was graced by prominent figures, including 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, Brigadier Gen. Trance N. Thomas of MTNG, Brigadier General Renea V. Dovvall, Defence Advisor United Kingdom, Colonel Keith Miles, Lieutenant
Colonel Christopher Cory, and Wing Commander Kasun Kumara, along with senior officers and exercise participants from both participating and observing countries.