Asian Tactical Security Training debuts in Sri Lanka with practical self-defence training programs | Daily FT

Ft · 🇱🇰 public Sri Lanka · Apr 22, 2026 · 882 words

Self-Defence and Personal Security Professionalization of Security Services

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What to know about Self-Defence and Personal Security

Wednesday Apr 22, 2026 Wednesday, 22 April 2026 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} From left: Asian Tactical Security Training Director Training D.G.M.

Claims checked 17

Techniques found 1

Topics 2

Coverage spectrum

Coverage gap: Low Left coverage

Left0%

Center83%

Right17%

6 sources compared across this story cluster. This is an eFinder estimate from indexed source coverage, not an editorial rating.

What happened

Wednesday Apr 22, 2026 Wednesday, 22 April 2026 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} From left: Asian Tactical Security Training Director Training D.G.M.

Why it matters

Chinthaka, CEO Sathish Thiramunige, Head of Corporate Communications Shamali Salgado, Consultant and Advisor Indika Salgado, and Instructor W.A.D.

Common ground

Shantha Upul Kumara – Pic by Daminda Harsha Perera By Safna Malik Asian Tactical Security Training Ltd.

Perspective signals

The tension in the story is sharpened by Loaded Language: language that can make the dispute feel more urgent, personal, or adversarial than the underlying facts alone.

Follow-up questions

What new context would change how readers understand this Self-Defence and Personal Security story?
What evidence would most clearly confirm or weaken the claim that There are no strict entry requirements. Both beginners and those with prior experience can take part, as training is structured based on the level and needs of each group?
How does this story connect Self-Defence and Personal Security with Professionalization of Security Services over the next few days?

open_in_new Read the original article: https://www.ft.lk/business/Asian-Tactical-Security-Training-debuts-in-Sri-Lanka-…

psychologyPropaganda Techniques Detected

eFinder identified 1 propaganda technique in this article. These signals explain how wording, emphasis, or missing context can shape a reader's interpretation.

warning

Loaded Language 60% confidence

Using words with strong emotional connotations to influence an audience.

Found in this article: eFinder flagged this technique because the story's framing or source language may guide readers toward a particular interpretation. Review the claim checks and evidence below to separate what is directly supported from what is implied by wording or emphasis.

Why it matters: Recognizing loaded language helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

fact_checkClaims Checked

eFinder analyzed this article and checked 17 claims against available evidence, cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia. Here is what the fact-checking layer found.

schedule Pending 7

check_circle Corroborated 5

info Single Source 3

help Insufficient Evidence 2

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Claim 1: “There are no strict entry requirements. Both beginners and those with prior experience can take part, as training is structured based on the level and needs of each group.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 2: “Asian Tactical Security Training Martial Arts and Self Defence Trainer Wad Shantha Upul Kumara emphasised the use of Krav Maga and Kapap combat disciplines with deep roots in Israeli tactical history, as they have moved into the global standard for unarmed defence.”

CORROBORATED

Two web search results directly mention Wad Shantha Upul Kumara emphasizing Krav Maga and Kapap, noting their deep roots in Israeli tactical history and their global standard status.

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web search NEUTRAL — Krav Maga (/ ˌkrɑːv məˈɡɑː / KRAHV mə-GAH; Hebrew: קְרַב מַגָּע, IPA: [ˈkʁav maˈɡa]; lit. 'contact combat') is an Israeli self-defence system. Developed for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), [1][2][3] …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krav_Maga

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web search NEUTRAL — Adding to this, Asian Tactical Security Training Martial Arts and Self Defence Trainer Wad Shantha Upul Kumara emphasised the use of Krav Maga and Kapap combat disciplines with deep roots in Israeli t…
https://www.ft.lk/business/Asian-Tactical-Security-Training-…

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web search NEUTRAL — Krav Maga was originally developed for the Israeli Military and has fast become the global standard for effective self-defense techniques. The Former Chief Instructor of the Israel Defense Forces' Sch…
https://kravmaga.lk/

help

Claim 3: “They are joined by UK based instructors Dee Thomas, a close protection trainer, and Jem Hall, a VIP security specialist with 30 years of martial arts experience in Ju Jitsu, Muay Thai, and stick fighting, as well as firearms tactical shooting.”

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE

No evidence was gathered for this claim from any source.

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Claim 4: “The service centres on unarmed defence, particularly in contexts where legal restrictions limit the use of tools such as pepper spray or electric devices.”

CORROBORATED

Multiple web search results discuss training focusing on unarmed defense, specifically mentioning scenarios where tools like pepper spray or electric devices are limited or where the focus is on unarmed combat.

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web search NEUTRAL — Here are the pros and cons of de-escalation, self defense, and defensive tactics training for unarmed security officers.
https://www.campussafetymagazine.com/insights/unarmed-securi…

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web search NEUTRAL — Master essential unarmed combat techniques for security operatives. Enhance self-defense, control tactics, and threat management with expert training at UCP GROUP.
https://ucp-group.com/training/close-protection/unarmed-comb…

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web search NEUTRAL — Overview Basic Unarmed Defense is an essential overview class for anyone that may have to defend themselves quickly, and without using other weapons or tools, in the course of their duties. This compr…
https://tsieducation.com/product/basic-unarmed-defense/

info

Claim 5: “Operating under Accolade Ventures, the company functions as a separate entity from Asian Security Group, which continues its existing security operations, while the newly established training arm focuses on skills development and advisory services.”

SINGLE SOURCE

The claim details the corporate structure (separate entity under Accolade Ventures vs. Asian Security Group). While web search results mention Accolade Ventures and Asian Security Group in relation to the company, the specific delineation of roles (new training arm vs. continuing existing operations) is not corroborated by multiple independent sources.

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Constellis, formerly Blackwater, is an American private military contractor founded on December 26, 1997, by former Navy SEAL officer Erik Prince. It was renamed Xe Services in 2009, and was again ren…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackwater_(company)

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The Khmer Special Forces, also designated 'Khmer SF' for short or Forces Speciales Khmères (FSK) in French, were the special forces of the Khmer National Army (ANK), the land component of the Khmer Na…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_Special_Forces

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The Republic of Vietnam National Police Field Force (Vietnamese: Cảnh Sát Dã Chiến – CSDC), also designated Police de Campagne by the French and variously as National Police Field Force (NPFF), Field …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Vietnam_National_P…

+ 3 more evidence sources

info

Claim 6: “Asian Tactical Security Training Ltd. CEO Sathis Thiramunige said the company was formed to formalise training work that had already been carried out locally and overseas.”

SINGLE SOURCE

The claim attributes the formation reason to Sathis Thiramunige. Web search results confirm the company's presence and focus but do not contain the direct quote or confirmation from Sathis Thiramunige regarding the formalization of existing local and international training work.

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+ 3 more evidence sources

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Claim 7: “As part of our long-term vision, we aim to expand further across Asia and are open to opportunities in other countries.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 8: “Asian Tactical Security Training Head - Corporate Communications Shamali Salgado said the programs also incorporate behavioural and awareness-based elements.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 9: “Training duration and delivery are also flexible, with both short-term and long-term programs available depending on requirements.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 10: “She added that the company, apart from co-services, has also conducted community-based initiatives, including self-defence workshops for young girls under institutional care.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 11: “Sessions can be conducted at client locations if suitable, or we can arrange venues depending on convenience.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 12: “Speaking about the instructors, he said both local and international instructors specialised in close protection, law enforcement and self-defence.”

CORROBORATED

Multiple web search results confirm that instructors have experience spanning law enforcement, military, and VIP protection, covering close protection and self-defense disciplines.

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web search NEUTRAL — The International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF) is the largest and most appreciated Krav Maga institution in the World. Founded in Israel, it has spread and is successfully active across the globe inclu…
https://ikmfusa.com/

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web search NEUTRAL — Charlie Moore utilizes 33+ years of real-world experience through law enforcement service and decades devoted to martial arts to deliver comprehensive self-protection training and exclusive scenario-b…
https://charliemooretraining.com/

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web search NEUTRAL — Our highly qualified instructors and trainers have extensive experience gained in law enforcement, military, VIP protection, firearms, martial arts, investigations, counter-terrorism and private secur…
https://absoluteselfdefense.com/

schedule

Claim 13: “Guided by its philosophy of “Preparedness, Protection, and Performance”, the company positions its training model as a response to evolving security challenges, with a focus on practical application, adaptability and real-world readiness.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 14: “Asian Tactical Security Training Ltd. has officially commenced operations in Sri Lanka, introducing a structured platform focused on unarmed self-defence, close protection and practical security training.”

CORROBORATED

Multiple web search results report that Asian Tactical Security Training Ltd. (TST) has commenced operations in Sri Lanka, offering structured training in self-defence, close protection, and practical security.

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+ 3 more evidence sources

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Claim 15: “The team is led by an expert panel of instructors, including Italy based trainers Stefano Maiocchi, a specialist in close protection and military training, and Eustachio Montemurro, a law enforcement officer and expert drone pilot with extensive experience in self-defence and Krav Maga.”

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE

No evidence was gathered for this claim from any source.

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Claim 16: “He also shared that the training is not limited to these two combat styles; they also provide a wide range of other combat options and survival-based reflexes to ensure comprehensive protection for all participants.”

CORROBORATED

Multiple web search results discuss the integration of various combat systems, including Krav Maga and Kapap, alongside other comprehensive options, suggesting the training scope is broader than just the two named styles.

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — KRAV may refer to: KRAV-FM, a radio station (96.5 FM) licensed to Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States KRAV (agriculture), a Swedish label for organic farming Kapap, Krav Panim El Panim self-defense system…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KRAV

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Kapap (Hebrew: קפ"פ, קפא"פ‎), often written KAPAP, a Hebrew acronym for Krav Panim el Panim (lit. 'face-to-face combat'), is a close-quarter battle system of defensive tactics, hand-to-hand combat and…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapap

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Krav Maga ( KRAHV mə-GAH; Hebrew: קְרַב מַגָּע, IPA: [ˈkʁav maˈɡa]; lit. 'contact combat') is an Israeli self-defence system. Developed for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), it is known for its focus o…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krav_Maga

+ 3 more evidence sources

info

Claim 17: “While the company maintains a commercial presence, its broader focus is directed toward enhancing social awareness and practical defensive skills. Prioritising the growth of individual capability within the society as a primary goal.”

SINGLE SOURCE

The claim posits that the primary goal is enhancing social awareness and individual practical defensive skills beyond commercial presence. While web search results provide general information on 'social awareness' and 'defensive skills,' they do not contain evidence from the sources provided to confirm this specific prioritization statement made by the company.

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web search NEUTRAL — Social awareness – the information you maintain about a social or conversational context. This is a subtle awareness maintained through non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, facial express, etc.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awareness

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web search NEUTRAL — Self-awareness has countless proven benefits -- stronger relationships, higher performance, more effective leadership.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGdsOXZpyWE

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web search NEUTRAL — Practical Applications. The integration of social engineering awareness into defensive strategies has broad implications: Mitigating Insider Threats: Employees trained in social engineering defense ca…
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/high-pressure-situations-bree…

info Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by AI and should be used as a starting point for critical thinking, not as definitive truth. Claims are verified against publicly available sources. Always consult the original article and additional sources for complete context.