UNODC Regional VBSS Course and Maritime Domain Awareness Training successfully concludes in Trincomalee

The Sri Lanka Navy successfully wrapped up a two-week regional training programme, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The programme featured two key training modules: the UNODC’s Regional Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) course, and a Maritime Domain Awareness session. The training took place at the Special Boat Squadron Headquarters (SBSHQ) and Sober Island Resort in Trincomalee. The certificate awarding ceremony was held under the patronage of Commanding Officer SBS on 30 May 25.

Throughout the VBSS programme, participants were equipped with operational and tactical skills vital for interdicting vessels suspected of transporting radiological and nuclear materials. The Maritime Domain Awareness Training further enhanced participants' understanding of situational analysis and regional coordination mechanisms within the maritime domain.

A total of 30 personnel participated in the training course, including officers and sailors from the Sri Lanka Navy (05 officers, 02 sailors), the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (07 officers), the Bangladesh Coast Guard (03 officers) and the Maldives Coast Guard (04 sailors). Additionally, participants from the Sri Lanka Police (05 officers), the Government Analyst's Department (02 officers) and the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (02 officers) were also involved.

Representing the UNODC, Programme Officer Mr. Filipe Henriques Teixeira Ramos, consultants and officials from the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme, officers from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) of the US Department of the Navy, staff from the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB) and Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (SLAERC) and a group of SBS officers were present on this occasion.