25th July 2023 21:09:37 Hours
Being one of the first responders to natural disasters and emergencies in the area, troops of the 111 and 112 Infantry Brigades in Kandy and Badulla areas respectively rushed and controlled wildfires that occurred in the Central and Uva provinces during the past few days.
2 (V) Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) troops of the 111 Infantry Brigade of the 11 Infantry Division at first on Friday (21 July) night were quick enough to bring a fast spreading bushfire in the general area of Mullapihilla, Galatenna in Kandy.
Similarly, 112 Infantry Brigade troops on the following day (22 July) rushed to Alugolla area in Badulla and successfully brought another major wildfire that caused damaged to several acres of cultivations under control.
Meanwhile, 3 (V) Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment and troops of the SFHQ-Cen complex jointly doused a major fire caused by an electric shortage in the general forest area of Kaluambatenna, Aluthwela which nearly destroyed 500 acres of vegetation on Sunday (23 July). Similarly, another minor fire, ignited due to an electric wire shortage at Haggala was brought under controlled by the troops within few hours.
On the same day, 112 Infantry Brigade troops in Badulla area swiftly went to Attalapitiya and controlled another wildfire with coordinated efforts of the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Sri Lanka Police. Additional Army troops of SFHQ-Cen affiliated Battalions reported to the location as fires intensified. However, troops put out the fire as dusk fell.
Meanwhile, SFHQ-Cen troops brought a wildfire that was raging in Haldummulla area, Haputale the same evening. Troops however extinguished the wildfire.
Rapid responses of the central troops were directed under the guidance of the Commander, SF-Cen, Major General W.W.H.R.R.V.M.N.D.K.B Niyangoda RWP RSP VSV USP ndu psc and Brigade Commanders, together with respective Commanding Officers of Battalions. Army troops joined hands with members of sister services and Policemen in controlling the wildfires.
