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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

Army Strengthens Islandwide Initiatives under 'Clean Sri Lanka' Campaign

The nationwide initiative to renovate 1,000 schools under the “Clean Sri Lanka” project officially commenced on 20th February 2025 at WP/HO/Ilukowita Junior School, Ilukowita. Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, Commander of the Army, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The event commenced with the rendition of the National Anthem and the school song, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the traditional oil lamp. The Principal, Mr. Wasantha Udayasiri, delivered the welcome address, emphasising the significance of the project. The Army Chief then laid the cornerstone, marking the official commencement of renovation work, which will be carried out by troops of the Engineer Services Regiment.

Similarly, under the guidance of Major General Y.A.B.M Yahampath RWP RSP ndu psc, Commander, Security Force - Jaffna, and Major General B.G.S Fernando USP Hdmc psc, General Officer Commanding, 55 Infantry Division, the first phase of the Clean Sri Lanka programme was conducted at Sri Vigneswaram College, Poonaryn, on 20 February 2025.

Meanwhile, under the guidance of Major General W.W.M.P.W.W.B.R Palamakumbura RWP RSP, General Officer Commanding, 21 Infantry Division and supervision of Commanders of the 212 and 561 Infantry Brigades, troops conducted a cleaning programme in schools located in Security Forces - Wanni as part of the first phase of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative on 20 February 2025.

Similarly, as part of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative and under the guidance of the Commander of the Army, troops of the Security Forces (East), supervised by Major General P. R Pathiravithana USAWC psc, Commander, Security Forces (East) conducted a school cleaning and renovation programme on 20 February 2025.

Equally, in line with the Clean Sri Lanka initiative under the guidance of the Commander of the Army and instructions of Major General U.K.D.D.P Udugama RWP RSP USP ndc psc, Commander, Security Forces (West), troops of the 57 Infantry Division, participated in the inauguration of infrastructure upgrades and a cleaning program at Ruwangiri Central College in Narammala on 20 February 2025. This event was carried out under the supervision of the General Officer Commanding of the 57 Infantry Division.

Also, troops under SFHQ (Cen) conducted a school cleaning project on 20 February 2025 as part of the first stage of the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative. under the supervision of Major General K.A.W.N.H Bandaranayake USP, Commander, Security Forces - Central.

Further, in line with the "Clean Sri Lanka" Programme, with the direction of the Commander, Security Forces (Jaffna), and the instructions of the General Officer Commanding of the 51 Infantry Division, troops of the10th Battalion of Sri Lanka Artillery, conducted a cleaning and painting initiative at St. Joseph College, Mathagal on 28th February 2025.

Under the guidance of the Commander of the Army and in line with the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme, over 12,500 troops engaged in a school cleaning programme and successfully completed renovations in 380 schools from 20 February 2025 to 07 March 2025. Their efforts included refurbishing nearly 140 deteriorated school buildings, repairing roofs, painting, and restoring boundary fences. Additionally, they repaired approximately 3,100 unusable desks and chairs for reuse.

In the meantime, troops of the 6th Battalion, the Gemunu Watch, conducted a cleaning programme at M/Mungilaru Primary School, Udayarkattu on 10 March 2025 with the participation of civilians in the area and troops of the 6 Battalion Sri Lanka National Guard conducted a cleaning programme in Mulliwikkal (E) on 10 March 2025 with the participation of civilians in the area.

The Sri Lanka Army continues its unwavering support for the school renovation project, which aims to refurbish 1,000 schools across the country. As part of this initiative, over 14,500 Army personnel have been allocated to selected schools under the supervision of the respective Security Forces Headquarters. With the technical and workforce assistance extended by Army personnel, the project commenced on 20 February 2025 and successfully completed the renovation of 496 schools by 17 March 2025.

Furthermore, under this initiative, roof repairs, painting, and refurbishment were carried out, damaged school fences were reconstructed, access roads were renovated, and nearly 5,500 desks and chairs in unusable condition were repaired for continued use in approximately 300 school buildings.

The project continues to be implemented in schools selected across the island, with the Army receiving continuous support from the communities surrounding these schools, school staff, students, and parents.

The Sri Lanka Army has successfully completed the renovation of 500 schools as part of the ‘1000 Selected Schools Renovation Project’ under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme, launched on 20 February 2025. This large-scale initiative aimed to improve educational infrastructure and create a better learning environment for students across the country.

Under the project troops of Army were able to repaired 5,500 unusable desks and chairs , refurbished nearly 300 school buildings which included re-roofing, painting and repairing deteriorated structures. Additionally, new fences were constructed, damaged fences were restored and access roads to the schools were repaired.

The success of the initiative was further enhanced by the support of communities, school staff, students, parents, and philanthropists who contributed to the effort. The Sri Lanka Army's workforce and technical expertise played a key role in ensuring the project's completion, marking a significant step towards improving the nation's educational facilities.

Under the guidance of the Commander of the Army and in line with the "Clean Sri Lanka" initiative, troops of the 4 Sri Lanka National Guard and 2 Engineer Services Regiment conducted a renovation and cleaning programme at Anuradhapura Railway Station from 26 March 2025 to 30 March 2025.

The programme, carried out with the participation of Sri Lanka Air Force personnel and Sri Lanka Railway workers, was carried out under the supervision of the General Officer Commanding 21 Infantry Division and the close supervision of the Commander 212 Infantry Brigade.

In line with the Clean Sri Lanka Initiative and under the guidance of the Commander of the Army and in view of uplifting the wellbeing of citizens, troops of the 1st Battalion Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) constructed a house for a needy family, which was officially vested in the beneficiary by Major General J.K.R Jayakody RWP USP, General Officer Commanding of the 58 Infantry Division, on 02 April 2025.

This initiative was sponsored by Hon. Manane Sirinanda Thero of Nambapana Samadhi Dharma Nikethanaramaya, Ingiriya. The construction was completed under the guidance of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel A.S. Rajarathna RWP RSP USP Lsc, with technical expertise and workforce assistance from the 1 SLLI. Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks and residents in the area were present at the occasion.

Following a concept introduced by His Excellency the President, the "Clean Sri Lanka" national programme commenced on 01 January 2025. As part of its first phase, the 'Save Nilwala' initiative, organised by the District Secretariat – Matara, was launched on 13 March 2025. On this occasion, the banks of the Nilwala River in Akuressa area were cleaned with the support of the Sri Lanka Army. Under the guidance of the Commander of the Army, troops of the 3 (V) Gemunu Watch participated in this effort.

In the second phase of the 'Save Nilwala' programme, a month-long cleaning campaign along the Nilwala riverbanks commenced on 01 April 2025 and will continue until 01 May 2025. A group of Army personnel is engaged in daily cleaning process. By 07 April 2025, approximately 850 metres of riverbank had been cleaned on both sides of the river.

Troops of the 10th Regiment of the Sri Lanka Artillery (10 SLA) completed the renovation of the main building and painted classroom buildings at St. Joseph’s College, Madagal. The newly renovated facilities were officially vested in the students on 07 April 2025. In addition to the renovations, a book donation programme was conducted and 50 school bags were distributed to students from low-income families.

Major General Y.A.B.M. Yahampath RWP RSP ndu psc, Commander, Security Forces – Jaffna, graced the event as the Chief Guest.

The initiative was supported through the generous financial contribution of Major General Ravi Rathnasingam (Retired) and Sri Lankans living in Canada. Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks, the Principal, teachers and students took part in the event.

Nationwide School Renovation Initiative Commences at Ilukowita Junior School on 20th February 2025

Distribution of school bags to students from low-income families on 07th April 2025

Army Troops Prevent Nilwala River Bank Burst on 07th April 2025

Troops of 1 SLLI Construct New House for Needy Family in Ingiriya on 02nd April 2025

Troops Support "Clean Sri Lanka" Initiative at Anuradhapura Railway Station on 26 March 2025 to 30 March 2025

Troops of the 6 GW and 6 SLNG under the SFHQ (Wanni) assisted in a Cleaning and Renovation Programme in Udayarkattu and Mulliwikkal (E) areas on 10th March 2025

Troops of 10 SLA Under Security Forces (Jaffna) Renovate St. Joseph College in Mathagal on 28th February 2025

Troops of Security Forces (Central) Commence School Cleaning Programme on 20th February 2025

West Troops Assist in Upgrading and Cleaning Schools in the Area on 20th February 2025

Security Forces (East) Conduct School Cleaning & Renovation Programme on 20th February 2025

Troops of SF - Wanni Engage in School Cleaning Campaign on 20th February 2025

Clean Sri Lanka Programme Launched in Jaffna and Kilinochchi on 20th February 2025

Sri Lanka Army Completes Renovation of 500 Schools Under ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Initiative