31st May 2025 00:04:46 Hours
Army troops are engaged in disaster relief operations following a series of weather-related incidents caused by strong winds affecting several areas in the country.
On 30 May, troops from the 14th Battalion of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (14 VIR) responded promptly after a large tree branch fell in front of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) due to strong winds. The soldiers swiftly cleared the debris, ensuring the road was safe and passable.
In a separate incident at Maitland Crescent, another tree branch fell as a result of the severe wind conditions. Once again, 14 VIR troops were deployed to clear the road.
Further, in Nikaweratiya, several trees were reported to have fallen onto the Rasnayakapura School building. A 10-member team from the 9th Battalion of the Sri Lanka National Guard (9 SLNG), in coordination with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Kurunegala and local villagers, is scheduled to carry out clearance operations at the site tomorrow morning.
Similarly, the damaged section of the Halmillawewa dam, caused by a fallen tree, was reconstructed by troops of the 16th Battalion of the Gajaba Regiment using sandbags.
On the same day, troops of the 3rd Gemunu Watch cleared a fallen almond tree that had collapsed onto the tented car park of the NPP District Office, located near Matara Maha Vidyalaya, due to strong winds.
The Sri Lanka Army continues to closely monitor the developing weather situation and remains on standby to assist civil authorities in all affected areas. Ongoing relief operations are focused on ensuring public safety and restoring normalcy in impacted communities.
Meanwhile, troops from the 9th Battalion of the Sri Lanka National Guard (9 SLNG), in collaboration with officials from the Disaster Management Centre, Kurunegala District and the State Timber Corporation, carried out a task to remove fallen trees and clear the premises of HM/ Rasnayakapura Central College in Nikaweratiya on 31 May 2025.
This was conducted under the guidance of the General Officer Commanding of the 57 Infantry Division and the supervision of the Commander of the 571 Infantry Brigade.
Similarly, troops of the 14 Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment extended their support to Lindsay Girls' School in Bambalapitiya by repairing its damaged roof on 01 June 2025.
