06th December 2022 20:10:26 Hours
24 Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) troops of the 222 Infantry Brigade in response to a long-felt need of the farmers and villagers of Serunuwara, Kallar, Dehiwatta and Neelapola areas took steps to completely clean a blockage of a major water canal that carries water to hundreds of farming communities in above areas.
The 20 km - long water canal that originates from Mavilaru runs through paddy fields and cultivable lands in the area carrying water for agricultural purposes, but since of recent times, the water flow remained blocked as it had not been cleared or maintained for so many years.
Due to blockage of water for farming, farmers in Serunuwara and Kallar areas brought the matter to the notice of the 22 Infantry Division Headquarters since they have been very badly affected.
Major General Saliya Amunugama, General Officer Commanding, 22 Infantry Division with the blessings of the Commander, Security Forces-East instructed 222 Brigade troops to undertake the task and help the farming community in whatever the way possible.
Accordingly, 24 VIR troops completely cleaned the waterway, repaired the canal bunds and restored the uninterrupted water flow within a few days for the benefit of farmers and villagers living in those areas. Farmers informed the GOC that the restoration of the water flow has enabled them to cultivate an abandoned paddy field patch of 600 more hectares in those areas.
Colonel Jude Kariyakarawana, Brigade Commander of 222 Infantry Brigade and Major M.K.C.J Rathnapriya, Commanding Officer of 24 VIR guided and closely supervised the entire project, carried out by 24 VIR troops.
