Army Troops in Action against Raging Bushfires

60 Army personnel of the 8 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) serving under the 611 Infantry Brigade of the 61 Infantry Division swiftly acted and brought a major bushfire that erupted in the general forest reserve area in Koskele, Opatha in Warakapola on Tuesday (22 August). Troops with the support of Policemen, supported by Disaster Management Centre officials brought the raging bushfire under control with much efforts. In another development of the same nature in the general area of Galdola, prompting the Divisional Secretariat, Kalthota and the Disaster Management Center, Ratnapura to seek Army assistance to quell the fast spreading fire in the forest area on Wednesday (23 August) morning hours. Responding promptly, 60 personnel from the 8 Battalion Gemunu Watch, including four officers of the 611 Infantry Brigade of the 61 Infantry Division, swiftly moved out and joined forces to combat the fire. The timely contribution of the Army troops in consultation with relevant authorities enabled the containment of those bushfires that broke out due to prevailing dry spells. The General Officer Commanding, 61 Infantry Division, 611 Infantry Brigade Commander and Commanding Officers of those battalions closely coordinated with the troops and gave necessary guidelines.