
SLAF FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE CONDUCTS HIGH-RISE EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILL IN COLOMBO
9:46pm on Friday 31st January 2025
The Sri Lanka Air Force Fire and Rescue Service conducted a comprehensive emergency evacuation drill at Development Holding (PVT), Colombo 2, today (31 January 2025). This was the first time a combined exercise was implemented, incorporating Aerial Ladder Platform Operations, Rope Rescue Operations, Breathing Apparatus Operations, and a High-Rise Building Rescue (HRBR) demonstration, utilizing SLAF air assets.
The primary objective of the emergency evacuation drill was to evaluate and enhance the response capabilities of both the SLAF Fire and Rescue Service and the Development Holding (PVT) staff in the event of an emergency. The exercise began with a full-scale evacuation of personnel and patients from the hospital premises, simulating a high-pressure environment. As part of the drill, the SLAF Fire and Rescue team performed an HRBR demonstration, showcasing their expertise in high-rise rescues.
By conducting regular drills and demonstrations, the SLAF reinforces the significance of teamwork, efficiency and preparedness in emergency situations. This initiative strengthens the operational readiness of the SLAF rescue team while promoting improved safety standards in healthcare facilities.
The emergency drill was conducted under the guidance of the Director General Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera. The exercise was supervised by the Chief Fire Officer of the SLAF, Group Captain Hemantha Balasooriya, along with the Commanding Officer of the Fire School and Fire Tender Maintenance Squadron at SLAF Base Katunayake, Wing Commander Chamil Hettiarachchi, Station Fire Officer Colombo, Wing Commander Sasanka Mendis and Rappel Master, Flight Sergeant Chathuranga JADLN.


















The primary objective of the emergency evacuation drill was to evaluate and enhance the response capabilities of both the SLAF Fire and Rescue Service and the Development Holding (PVT) staff in the event of an emergency. The exercise began with a full-scale evacuation of personnel and patients from the hospital premises, simulating a high-pressure environment. As part of the drill, the SLAF Fire and Rescue team performed an HRBR demonstration, showcasing their expertise in high-rise rescues.
By conducting regular drills and demonstrations, the SLAF reinforces the significance of teamwork, efficiency and preparedness in emergency situations. This initiative strengthens the operational readiness of the SLAF rescue team while promoting improved safety standards in healthcare facilities.
The emergency drill was conducted under the guidance of the Director General Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera. The exercise was supervised by the Chief Fire Officer of the SLAF, Group Captain Hemantha Balasooriya, along with the Commanding Officer of the Fire School and Fire Tender Maintenance Squadron at SLAF Base Katunayake, Wing Commander Chamil Hettiarachchi, Station Fire Officer Colombo, Wing Commander Sasanka Mendis and Rappel Master, Flight Sergeant Chathuranga JADLN.

















