21st December 2025 18:51:45 Hours
The 5 Field Engineer Regiment SLE rendered a timely and commendable service to the nation during Cyclone Ditwah, playing a decisive role in rescue, relief, and post disaster recovery operations in the general area of Seethawaka Divisional Secretariat and Hoamagama Divisional Secretariat under the supervision of 142 Infantry Brigade. Beyond immediate lifesaving missions, the 5 Field Engineer Regiment SLE extended comprehensive humanitarian assistance to the Seethawaka DS by deploying 03 Officers and 51 Other Ranks from 28 November 2025 onwards. Subsequently the troops who were temporarily attached to Sector 03 – Thimbirigasyaya, were actively engaged in removal of fallen trees in front of the Independence Square and at Malalasekara Road behind the BMICH.
From 28 to 30 November 2025, the 5 Field Engineer Regiment SLE successfully rescued a total of 547 flood affected civilians across multiple localities. One of the most critical missions was conducted in the Kaluaggala area, where 28 ailing Buddhist priests were safely evacuated from the Amilasiri Priests’ Treatment Centre at Kaluaggala.
In support of the national education system enabling uninterrupted continuation of academic activities, the troops undertook urgent cleaning operations in undermentioned flood affected schools from 03 December 2025 to 08 December 2025.
• Co/ Mayadunna Maha Vidyalaya, Hanwella
• Pahathgama Roman Catholic Junior School, Hanwella
• St. John Bosco’s College, Kaluaggala
• Rajasinghe Central College, Hanwella
Additionally, troops conducted cleaning programme in Amilasiri Priests’ Treatment Centre at Kaluaggala. Following the recession of floodwaters, the troops conducted an extensive number of 237 wells cleaning programme consisting 103 wells across 12 Grama Niladhari divisions in Seethawaka DS and 134 wells across 07 Grama Niladhari divisions in Homagama DS.
The unwavering dedication of the Commanding Officer and all Ranks of the 5 Field Engineer Regiment SLE upheld the proud traditions, their exemplary performance during and post cyclone significantly demonstrated the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers’ enduring commitment to national resilience and public welfare.
