SRI LANKA Army troops under Security Forces Headquarters, East (SFHQ-E) during the mammoth Bodhi Pooja and Pirith ceremony that concluded on May 9, 2010 at Polonnaruwa Somawathiya pagoda premises amidst floods and torrential rains extended their maximum support to the success of the programme.
Thousands of devotees, remained stranded after the floods wreaked havoc at the sacred premises were directed home providing transport. Since Sunday (9) morning, devotees who fell sick and became badly ill were transferred to Polonnaruwa Base Hospital with the help of Sri Lanka Air Force.
Army troops realizing the gravity of the floods ravaging the area immediately provided their service vehicles to affected areas and took necessary steps to evacuate as many devotees as possible to safer areas while another section of the troops simultaneously organized cooked meal packets to many thousands of devotees within the shortest possible time.
Troops equally worked hard and got down Army ambulances for transport of those affected by floods and torrential rains and carried them to Polonnaruwa hospital.
Those troops since all preparations began for the “Pinkama” have been organizing the ground, clearing the Somawathiya road, preparing the road for vehicle movement, arranging the vehicle park and engaged in provision of tents, water tanks, drainage systems, refreshments and drinks, cooked meals, drinking water in bowsers and all other requirements of the monks attending the Pooja.
Over 250 soldiers were deployed for those services during 27th April and May 10th. The Army however made all other arrangements in this regard.
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