20th July 2023 21:37:30 Hours
Coordinated efforts of 7 Officers and 140 Army troops of the 7 and 5 (V) Sri Lanka Artillery, 5 Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps and 3 Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Corps serving under the Security Force Headquarters-East quickly doused a fast spreading forest fire in Thalapathkanda, Hathareskotuwa area in Habarana on Wednesday (19 July). The fire has spread around 7 sq km patch of the forest, covered with huge trees, creepers and wild bushes.
Range Forest officials in Habarana, minutes after the outbreak of the forest fire sought the assistance of the Army, Accordingly, 147 Army personnel, together with Sri Lanka Air Force personnel rushed to the location and joined extinguishing the wildfire that was fast covering the forest layer within a short period of time.
General Officers Commanding of 22 and 23 Infantry Divisions and Brigade Commanders of 222 and 231 Infantry Brigades closely watched the developing situation and guided their troops accordingly to extinguish the fast spreading fire.
Major General U.D Wijesekera RWP RSP USP rcds psc, Commander, Security Forces- East visited the location and highly appreciated the troops for their commitment to the task.
