Australian and Sri Lankan Military Engineers Exchange Tactics

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Members of Australia’s 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment have been working alongside the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering, sharing knowledge and learning from each other as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour.

The collaboration focused on improvised explosive device (IED) search and tactics, with one of the most valuable contributions being Australia’s humanitarian approach to de-mining. These lessons are vital for both countries, especially in keeping civilians safe in areas still affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance from past conflicts.

The exchange also touched on modern engineering practices — including how drones are now being used in conflict zones. Drawing on experiences from the war in Ukraine, both teams explored how technology is reshaping battlefield capability and efficiency.

A standout moment came when Colonel Amanda Johnston, Australia’s Defence Adviser to Sri Lanka, met Captain Chamika Kumaranathunga, the first Sri Lankan woman to qualify as an explosive ordnance disposal operator.

Colonel Johnston, herself an Army engineer and former Commanding Officer of the 6th Engineer Support Regiment, said the meeting was especially meaningful.

“I was honoured to meet Captain Kumaranathunga and share some of my own experiences, particularly from commanding Operation Render Safe in 2014,” she said.“Indo-Pacific Endeavour is all about knowledge-sharing and building people-to-people links. Connecting with future leaders like Captain Kumaranathunga is really rewarding.”

The initiative highlights how regional defence activities are just as much about people and partnerships as they are about operations.

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