Army Troops Swiftly Respond to Multiple Emergencies Islandwide

Army troops promptly responded to several emergency situations caused by adverse weather conditions during 19 to 22 October 2025.

A train travelling from Kandy to Colombo was derailed near Mawanella on 19 October 2025 due to a landslide. Three teams comprising 48 troops from the 8th Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (8 SLSR) were deployed to assist in clearing the railway track and ensuring the safety of passengers and railway staff.

Subsequently, another train derailment occurred at Ihala Kotte Railway Station, Kegalle, on 21 October 2025. Troops of the 8 SLSR again extended their support to clear and restore the affected section of the railway line, working closely with railway authorities to enable the safe resumption of train services.

Meanwhile, a landslide that disrupted transportation along the Pitigala–Thawalama road in the Dunhena area was swiftly cleared on the same day. Troops from the 20th Battalion Sri Lanka Light Infantry (20 SLLI) of the 573 Infantry Brigade under the 61 Infantry Division were deployed to remove debris and restore normal vehicular movement.

Troops of the 2 (V) Gemunu Watch of 573 Infantry Brigade under the 61 Infantry Division, carried out a flood relief operation in Piyadigama, Galle, on 22 October 2025.

During the operation, the troops rescued four civilians, including a mother and her two months old baby, who had been stranded due to rising floodwaters. The rescued individuals were safely relocated to the Sudarshanaramaya Temple, which had been designated as a temporary shelter for affected families.

The operation was conducted in close coordination with the Disaster Management Centre, Galle, the Divisional Secretariat, and local authorities, ensuring the safety and welfare of the residents.