07th October 2023 22:33:25 Hours
Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, the Commander of the Army Saturday (7) afternoon with the intention of taking stock of troops' humanitarian flood relief operations visited flood-affected areas in Matara District.
At first, Major General R.A.J.N Ranasinghe RSP USP ndc, General Officer Commanding, 61 Infantry Division presented a comprehensive brief on the present developments as regards floods in the Matara District at 3 Gemunu Watch (3 GW) camp premises in Matara with special focus on worst-affected Malimbada and Athtudawa areas.
Afterwards, the Commander, together with several other Senior Officers met the Matara District Secretary who also explained the status quo to the Army Chief and urged him to continue the Army's humanitarian assistance in future, too until normalcy returns to those areas.
Next, the Commander of the Army called at Malimbada Divisional Secretariat premises and met with the Divisional Secretary where the Army maintains a temporary kitchen for preparation of cooked meals. The Commander of the Army closely interacted with the troops working there, from which more than 3000 people receive meals every day.
Subsequently, the Commander of the Army and other Senior Officers had a field visit around the worst-affected Malimbada area and witnessed how the troops are engaged in flood relief emergencies. He also had a word with affected civilians in temporary places.
Major General W.H.K.S Peiris RWP RSP VSV USP ndu, Commander of Security Forces - West, Major General R.A.J.N Ranasinghe RSP USP ndc, General Officer Commanding of 61 Infantry Division, Colonel K.A.D.N.R Kannangara RSP IG, Brigade Commander of 613 Infantry Brigade and few other Senior Officers were associated with the Commander’s visit.
After his visit to Malimbada area, the Army Chief reached Athtudawa bund area which has been fortified by troops placing sand bags throughout last evening (6) to prevent any split in the bund as rising water levels have posed a threat. Later on, the Commander also visited Thudawa area to receive updates on flood relief roles of the Army.
