16th October 2022 08:45:29 Hours
As torrential rains, coupled with landslides, earthslips, floods are continuing to wreak havoc in many parts of the island, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army, alert to developments has instructed the troops to be well-prepared to meet with any contingencies as necessary if the situation worsens and warrants emergency assistance of the troops.
8 Sri Lanka Light Infantry troops of the 141 Brigade of the 14 Division during evening hours on Saturday (15) managed to evacuate about 100 flood-affected families from inundated areas of Mabima West, Mabima East, Pattiwila, Yatawatta and Diyagama to safer places using Army boats. The 11-member rescue team of the Army safely carried them to the nearest temples and public places for temporary shelter.
Similarly, troops of 8 Sri Lanka Light Infantry of the 141 Brigade under the 14 Division of the SFHQ - West provided assistance to civilians to continue their day today activities interrupted due to floods in general areas of Mabima West, Mabima East, Pattiwila, Yatawatta and Diyagama.
Troops of 2 (V) Sri Lanka Light Infantry under the 144 Brigade on Saturday (15) removed a huge tree that has fallen, adjacent to the boundary fence of the Kolonnawa Public Ground disrupting road traffic for hours. Guidelines and instructions given by both Commander, Security Forces - West and General Officer Commanding, 14 Division enabled the 144 Brigade Commander to carry out the task with the assistance of Urban Council and Disaster Management Centre (DMC) employees.
Similarly, as the water level in Diyawanna Oya had risen rapidly, 18 Sri Lanka National Guard troops under the 144 Brigade of the 14 Division stacked sand bags to prevent water seepage towards the entrance for Members of Parliament as well as to the ground floors of the Parliament Complex upon the request of the Sergeant-at-arms of the Parliament.
Meanwhile, 14 Battalion Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment troops under the direction of the Commander, 142 Brigade, assisted the removal of an uprooted tree that had fallen on to the Dr C.W.W Kannangara road in front of the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapakse Theatre - Colombo due to heavy rainfall and strong winds late evening on Friday (14). Deploying an evacuation team including an officer and ten Other Ranks, troops in liaison with the workers at Colombo Municipal Council cleared the road after removal of the tree.
In addition, rescue and follow-up operations at Thumbaliyadda landslide disaster in Anguruwella have been completed with the arrival of DMC authorities and other relevant officials. (see separate stories elsewhere)
