Members of the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment recently engaged in a knowledge-sharing initiative with the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering.

As part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour, engineers from Australia and Sri Lanka exchanged expertise in improvised explosive device (IED) search and tactics.

One of the most valuable exchanges during the collaboration was Australia's insight into humanitarian approaches to de-mining.

The lessons and tactics learned concerning the responsible management of landmines and unexploded ordnance are crucial for both nations, particularly in ensuring the safety of civilian populations affected by past conflicts.

Discussions also included contemporary engineering concepts – most notably the use of drones – with lessons drawn from the conflict in Ukraine, where technology plays an increasingly pivotal role in enhancing capability and efficiency.

A highlight was the meeting between Colonel Amanda Johnston, the Australian Defence Adviser to Sri Lanka, and Captain Chamika Kumaranathunga, the first Sri Lankan woman to qualify as an explosive ordnance disposal operator.

Colonel Johnston, an Army engineer and former Commanding Officer of 6th Engineer Support Regiment, relished the opportunity to connect with the trailblazing captain.

"I was honoured to be able to meet and then share some of my past experiences with Captain Kumaranathunga, particularly commanding Operation Render Safe in 2014," Colonel Johnston said.

"Indo-Pacific Endeavour is the Australian Defence Force's flagship regional activity, and here in Sri Lanka, it is focused on knowledge-sharing and building people-to-people links.

“Being able to connect with future leaders like Captain Kumaranathunga is really rewarding."