28th November 2025
Troops of the 24 Infantry Division contributed to relief efforts following adverse weather conditions reported on 26 November 2025. Accordingly, a team from the 18 Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment under the 241 Infantry Brigade, was deployed to clear a tree that had collapsed onto a house in Samanthurai, Kallarichchel area due to heavy rainfall.
The troops swiftly removed the obstruction and restored normalcy for the affected civilians, ensuring their safety and preventing further damage.
The 3 (V) Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment conducted rescue operations for civilians affected by flooding in Ellakotaliya village following heavy rainfall in the area.
A group of residents became stranded due to the sudden rise in water levels. The troops successfully evacuated 4 men, 5 women and 4 children to designated safe locations.
The situation has now stabilised, and no further damage has been reported. Troops continue to remain in the area to extend necessary support and ensure the safety of the affected community.
At the request of the Pathhepala Divisional Secretary in the Matale District, troops of the 1st Special Forces Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army were able to rescue a family of five who had been trapped due to a sudden flood situation in the Lelekumbura area of the Pathhepala Division on 27 November 2025, caused by the prevailing adverse weather conditions.
Troops of the Security Force Headquarters (Central), comprising personnel from the 11 Infantry Division, 111 Infantry Brigade, 112 Infantry Brigade, 641 Infantry Brigade, 642 Infantry Brigade and units under the Division Headquarters, were deployed from 26 to 27 November 2025 to provide essential assistance in affected areas. Their efforts included rescuing displaced persons, clearing road obstructions caused by earth slips and searching for individuals reported missing due to landslides.
In the districts of Kandy and Badulla, troops carried out relief operations in Ambewela, Ruppaha, Udadumbara, Kandagolla, Passara, Kandakettya, Pathahewahata, Soranathota, Nuwara Eliya, Matale and Teldeniya, extending critical support to affected communities.
Additionally, a team of 25 troops from the 14 Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) under Security Force Headquarters (East) was deployed to the left bank of the Duuwe Aru in the Pottuvil–Ulla area under the 24 Infantry Division, where they constructed a sandbags protective barrier to minimise erosion and prevent further damage to the riverbank.
On 26 November 2025, severe flooding affected the Outpatient Department (OPD) area of the Base Hospital, Nedunkerni, resulting in nearly two feet of water. In response, troops of the 16 SLSR swiftly intervened to safeguard the facility and maintain essential medical services. Acting on the directives of the Commander, Security Forces (Wanni), and under the guidance of the General Officer Commanding, 56 Infantry Division, with the supervision of the Commander, 561 Infantry Brigade, a rapid response team was promptly deployed to the hospital.
Troops of the 16 SLSR constructed a sandbag barrier to prevent further floodwater from entering the OPD building. Despite adverse weather conditions, they worked to reduce the inflow of water and strengthen vulnerable areas of the hospital, ensuring uninterrupted access to medical care for the affected community.
Army troops rescued 38 elders from the Kailagoda Elders’ Home and handed them over to the Disaster Relief Services Centre for further care and support.
In the Rambukwella area along the A26 route, a road blockage was reported due to adverse weather. Army personnel in collaboration with the Police and Road Development Authority, commenced immediate restoration work to normalise the situation.
Meanwhile, troops of the 211 Infantry Brigade extended urgent assistance to local authorities in repairing the damaged spill of the Kakulbadidigiliya Tank in Horowpothana, after heavy rainfall caused the structure to collapse on 26 November 2025. Their effort enabled the embankment to be restored and the uncontrolled water outflow to be contained. In the evening, the tank structure had been stabilised, ensuring the continued supply of irrigation water for agricultural needs.
As adverse weather conditions continued across the country, troops under the Security Forces (Central) and the 12 Infantry Division carried out multiple rapid disaster relief operations across the Monaragala District.
A contingent of troops from the 18th Gemunu Watch, operating under the Medagama Divisional Secretariat in the Kandawinna area, rescued 50 individuals from 13 flood-affected families. All evacuees were relocated to temporary shelter at the Medagama Pitadeniya Primary School.
Heavy rainfall caused a buildup of debris at the Kumbukkan Oya anicut, obstructing the natural water flow. A team from the 121 Infantry Brigade Headquarters cleared the accumulated debris, restoring normal water discharge. Additionally, another team from the same Headquarters reinforced an eroded section of the anicut bund using sandbags to prevent further deterioration.
Meanwhile, another group from the 121 Infantry Brigade removed fallen trees blocking the Kumbukkan Oya canal route near the 3rd Mile Post. Army personnel continue to provide essential emergency assistance to affected communities as weather conditions persist.
Troops under Security Forces (East) from the 15 Sri Lanka Light Infantry, operating under the 223 Infantry Brigade, carried out remedial work on the bund of the Kudugalametiyawa Lake in Galmetiyawa, which was at risk of collapsing. The bund was reinforced using sandbags, with the participation of local villagers.
Further, seven civilians (farmers) who had become stranded in the forest due to flooding while tending their cattle and protecting their paddy fields were rescued by troops of the 2 (V) Gajaba Regiment.
Additionally, troops of the 20th Battalion, Gajaba Regiment, engaged in distributing food to flood-affected communities in the Pulmoddai area, while troops of the 06 Sri Lanka Armoured Corps assisted residents of Namalwatta in cleaning their surroundings after they were affected by heavy winds on 28 November 2025.
A timely rescue operation was carried out in Ehaliyagoda, where 11 civilians, including an 11-month-old child, were trapped in their home due to rising floodwaters. Troops of the 11th Gemunu Watch responded promptly, ensuring the safe evacuation of all individuals. Their swift and coordinated efforts prevented further danger and provided much-needed relief to the affected family members.
Troops under Security Forces (West) continued relief operations on 28 November 2025. In a swift and successful rescue mission, troops of the 11 Infantry Division evacuated four civilians who had been stranded by rapidly rising floodwaters in the Elapatha area.
A prompt and efficient response by Sri Lanka Army troops also helped restore normalcy on Gregory Road after a large tree had fallen across the roadway in front of D.S. Senanayake College, blocking the route from R.G. Senanayake Mawatha to Bauddhaloka Mawatha.
In a rapid and coordinated rescue effort, Sri Lanka Army troops safely evacuated 40 civilians stranded by rising floodwaters in the Rathnapura Maha Palliya area on the same day. Responding promptly to the emergency, soldiers of the 11 Gemunu Watch (11 GW) reached the affected location and facilitated the safe evacuation of all individuals at risk.
Additionally, troops of the 1 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment conducted a vital rescue operation in the Mihirigama and Madurupitiya areas, where severe flooding had left many residents stranded. In another swift and decisive emergency operation, Sri Lanka Army troops rescued 15 civilians stranded by rapidly rising floodwaters in the Welihinda area. The rescue team, comprising personnel from the 6th Sri Lanka Artillery (6 SLA), safely evacuated 14 adults and one child.
On 28 November 2025, due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions, trees fell on houses in the Achchuweli, Nawanthurei South, and Nallur areas, causing partial damage to the roof structures of the residences. Troops operating under the 51 Infantry Division were promptly deployed to clear the affected houses.
Troops under Security Forces (Central) were deployed to respond to several emergencies caused by the heavy rains experienced in recent days. In the Thelabuyaya area of the 122 Infantry Brigade, trees had fallen onto the roofs of two buildings belonging to the Social Services Department in Weeraketiya. A team from the 3rd Sri Lanka National Guard was dispatched to cut down and remove the fallen trees.
Additionally, troops of the same battalion were deployed to ferry displaced civilians to safer locations by boat after the road from Sella Kataragama to Kataragama Lakshmi Devalaya became blocked.
Meanwhile, troops of the 12th Battalion, Gajaba Regiment, were involved in placing sandbags to prevent road erosion near the 'Attikka Amuna' culvert in Halmillawa.
Troops under Security Forces (West) on 28 November 2025 undertook essential flood-prevention measures around the Parliament area. A combined team from the 144 Infantry Brigade efficiently laid sandbags to reinforce vulnerable points, helping safeguard the premises from rising floodwaters.
On 29 November 2025, troops of the 141 Infantry Brigade carried out successful rescue operations in the general areas of Thihariya, Pahalagama, Gampaha, Bomiriya,Medawaththa and Ganewaththe, where severe flooding had stranded numerous residents.
In a remarkable display of swift action, troops of 5 Sri Lanka Engineers successfully rescued 28 ailing Buddhist monks from the Amilasiri Priest Treatment Centre in Salawa Watta, Hanwella. The operation, launched in response to urgent pleas for assistance, ensured the safety and wellbeing of the priests.
Since 28 November 2025, due to the adverse weather conditions prevailing across the island, a tree had fallen onto the bridge constructed across the stream between the Helagama and Illukpitiya villages, which fall under the Buttala Divisional Secretariat in the Monaragala District. A team from the 121 Infantry Brigade Headquarters assisted in removing the fallen tree and restoring the bridge to its normal condition. Furthermore, 213 Infantry Brigade troops rescued civilians who had been trapped in a bus due to flooding.
Under the guidance of the Commander, Security Forces – East, Major General J.S.B.W. Pallekumbura RWP RSP ndu psc, a total of 299 inmates and 11 staff members who had been stranded at the Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre due to severe flooding caused by the adverse weather conditions were rescued on 29 November 2025.
All rescued inmates and staff members were safely transported by Sri Lanka Army buses to the Nawa Senapura Tertiary and Vocational Literacy Training Centre as a temporary accommodation facility.
The rescue operation was carried out with the support of the 233 Brigade Commander, The 9th Sri Lanka Artillery Regiment, The 1st Commando Regiment, and The Sri Lanka Navy. Additionally, The Army’s WMZ armoured vehicles and Navy boats were used during the rescue mission to safely evacuate the inmates and staff affected by the floods.
Troops under the Security Forces (West) engaged in several disaster relief operations on 29 November 2025. Military personnel provided crucial logistical support by transporting 500,000 syringes, essential medicines, and other related medical items donated by Heyles Warehouse in Ambathale to the Ministry of Health.
Further, a total of 91 flood-affected individuals from 28 families were safely rescued in the Kotuvila area as rising waters threatened their homes. Among those evacuated were 34 males, 31 females, and 26 children.
Moreover, troops of the 8th Sri Lanka Light Infantry carried out a swift rescue operation in Kottunna, safely evacuating five flood-affected women, including three Chinese nationals. The timely intervention of the troops ensured the safety and well-being of all individuals as floodwaters continued to rise.
Following the instructions of the 14 Infantry Division, troops of the 14 Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment distributed 750 meal packets to residents at a relief centre in Kolonnawa. A fallen Nuga tree obstructing the flow of the Ginganga near Mahajana Pola, Pallegama, was successfully removed through a coordinated effort by the 3rd Gemunu Watch battalion.
Additionally, the 14 Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment supported the Ja-Ela Police in a crucial rescue operation across the Ja-Ela and Ekala areas. A total of 61 civilians, including two monks, were safely evacuated from flood-affected locations. Troops of the 8th Sri Lanka Light Infantry also conducted a large-scale rescue operation in Kalukodayawa, where severe flooding had stranded numerous residents. A total of 139 individuals 55 males, 54 females, and 30 children were safely evacuated to secure locations.
Due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions, troops of the Security Forces (Wanni) engaged in disaster response operations across the region. Troops of the 16 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, with the support of local villagers, promptly undertook restoration work on a damaged section of the Kanakarayankulam Tank bund, where a breach in the middle of the bund had caused a significant water leak. Their swift action helped prevent further deterioration.
The tank bund of Kurisudda Kulam was damaged by approximately 25 feet due to continuous heavy rainfall. Troops of the 12 (V) Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment promptly carried out restoration work to prevent further damage.
Similarly, a section of the Pulawanar Kulam tank bund sustained damage as a result of the ongoing heavy rainfall. In response, troops of the 12 (V) Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment undertook urgent repair work on the affected bund.
Additionally, troops of the 10 Sri Lanka Light Infantry provided essential assistance in repairing the partially breached Tuvarankulam Tank bund in the Palinagar area of the Vavuniya District, following damage caused by the adverse weather conditions.
Due to the heavy rainfall, approximately 565 civilians affected by severe flooding at the Polonnaruwa Public Sports Complex, as well as the Nelumwewa and Gallella areas under the Security Forces (East), were rescued on 28 November 2025, including several pregnant women.Furthermore, the 7th Field Engineer Regiment deployed troops to provide relief to nearly 3,000 civilians sheltered in displacement camps. Troops from the 7th Light Artillery Regiment also actively contributed to the relief operations conducted in response to the disasters caused by the heavy rains within the 23 Infantry Division area. In addition, the 12th Gemunu Watch Battalion deployed troops, who likewise played a significant role in ongoing relief efforts.
Troops belonging to the Security Forces (Wanni) have launched an ongoing rescue mission in the Chiraddikulam area following severe flooding. A combined rescue operation was initiated with the support of 10 Sri Lanka Light Infantry troops and the Sri Lanka Navy (SLNS Buwaneka). Furthermore, a large-scale rescue operation was launched by the Sri Lanka Tri-Forces following a severe incident at the Kala Oya Bridge on 27 November 2025, when a passenger bus carrying 69 individuals, including a foreign national, was swept away by strong floodwaters.
Troops of the 3 (V) Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, operating under the Security Forces (East), rescued a group of residents who had been stranded by rising floodwaters following the heavy rains that caused severe flooding in the villages of Ranhelagama, Ellakotaliya, Salpitigama, and Vijayapura. In addition, troops from the 15th Sri Lanka Infantry Regiment assisted civilians affected by the heavy rains and subsequent flooding.
Sri Lanka Army troops are engaged in cooking and distributing food for flood-affected communities island-wide, covering the emergency safety centres managed by the Sri Lanka Army across the country.
Major General K.V.N.P. Premaratne RSP USP nps psc, Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, participated in the distribution of food and other essential items to people affected by the floods at Rajasinghe College, Pahala Hanwella, on 30 November 2025.
In response to an urgent request from the Assistant Government Agent of Dambulla, the troops of the 53 Infantry Division under 1 Corp launched a critical operation to restore the disrupted water supply to the Dambulla Hospital and surrounding areas on 30 November 2025.
Meanwhile, troops from the Infantry Training Centre restored operations at the severely damaged Mahiyanganaya Water Board. Troops cleaned the facility, removed accumulated mud and repaired essential systems, enabling the safe resumption of the water supply for residents affected by the severe weather.
Additionally, troops from the 1st Battalion Gajaba Regiment and the Artillery Training School Minneriya were deployed to the Mahiyanganaya National Hospital, where they cleared debris, cleaned and reorganised hospital areas and restored essential services, allowing the hospital to resume medical care for patients affected by adverse weather.
Troops of under command formations of Security Forces - Jaffna extended humanitarian assistance in response to severe weather condition. Personnel from the 6th Battalion of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment enabled civilians to cross a broken bridge near 10th Mile Post at Welikandal and helped transport a child's coffin, while also supporting the delivery of essential supplies to displaced families.
On 30 November 2025, troops of the 552 Infantry Brigade and the 10 Gajaba Regiment transported government and DMC relief aid to KN/68 Kautharamunai, where road access had been completely disrupted due to flooding. Meanwhile, a team of 22 soldiers from the 11 Sri Lanka Engineers and the 523 Infantry Brigade distributed 350 lunch packets to affected communities.
Additionally, troops from the 2 Sri Lanka National Guard removed a fallen tree that had damaged a preschool roof and troops of the 7th Regiment of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry completed emergency repairs to the Puduaiyankulam tank bund using sandbags with the support of residents in the area.
The troops under the Security Forces (East) conducted various operations, where, 5 (V) Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery rescued farmers in Suriyapura village, Kantale, and ensured their safe evacuation. Meanwhile, troops of the 11 (V) Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment removed a fallen tree that had damaged a building at Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya, Batticaloa, preventing further structural damage. Troops of the 12 (V) Sri Lanka National Guard provided assistance to residents affected by flooding along the Pulipanchkal–Kiran Road, ensuring their movement to a safe location.
Additionally, 184 civilians from 94 families stranded on both sides of Mahaweli River in Rakuli Village were rescued by troops of the 15th Regiment of Sri Lanka Light Infantry and relocated to the Nahar Balika Vidyalaya IDP Centre. The Navodawa Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre at Kandakadu, inundated due to heavy rainfall, and 299 inmates and over 60 staff members safely relocated to the Seenapura Rehabilitation Centre by troops of the 9th Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery with support from the 3 Mechanized Infantry Regiment, Commando Regiment and Sri Lanka Naval Station Kashyapa.
On 30 November, troops from the 14th Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment assisted the Road Development Authority in repairing the Pottuvil–Ulla Bridge, damaged by continuous heavy rains.
Troops of the 8th Battalion of the Gemunu Watch under Security Forces (Wanni) provided essential assistance to temporarily repair the Kurisuddakulam tank bund, which had begun overflowing by 4 to 8 feet due to heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, several civilians were trapped due to flooding in the Sithuminiyagarkulam area. Troops of the 541 Infantry Brigade, together with Navy personnel, swiftly responded and successfully rescued 27 civilians, ensuring their safe evacuation from the affected location.
Troops from the 23rd Battalion of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment were deployed to Kendagolla area to conduct search and rescue operation and provide immediate assistance to affected communities.
In coordination with the Disaster Management Centre of Badulla, troops from the 1st Battalion of the Gemunu Watch under the 11th Infantry Division conducted purification work at the Ambagasdowa Water Purification Center, which had been disrupted due to a landslide. In addition, troops cleared the Kumarasingha Mawatha Water Tank, ensuring the restoration of a safe water supply to residents.
On 30 November 2025, following a request from the Divisional Secretary of Haputale, disaster relief troops from the Sri Lanka Military Academy assisted in clearing debris and soil from Christ the King Church in Diyathalawa, after it was damaged by the collapse of the hospital’s rear wall.
Troops of the 223 Infantry Brigade evacuated 10 civilians from Neelapola Village to Somapura using a Unibuffel, while an IDP centre at Al Amra Muslim Maha Vidyalaya provided shelter for 50 families. Troops of the 232 Infantry Brigade also distributed dry ration packs to 200 families in Muruthan Village.
On 01 December 2025, the 241 Infantry Brigade established a 24-hour public mobile charging facility near its premises to support civilians affected by extended power outages.
At the same time, the Kattankudy community, with the participation of the troops of 24 Infantry Division and 243 Infantry Brigade, collected 500 dry ration packets valued at approximately Rs. 2,500,000. These were handed over for distribution among families in safety centres in Muthur and flood-affected areas in Mavil Aru, supported by the 233 Infantry Brigade in Wakarei.
Further, troops of the 59 Infantry Division provided dry rations to two IDP centres at St. Peters Church and Jumma Mosque in Mullaitivu. In addition, the response team of the 10 (V) Gemunu Watch under the 54 Infantry Division rescued 260 affected individuals and families due to the Malwathu Oya overflowing and transferred them to an IDP centre in Mannar.
