09th January 2026 10:18:45 Hours
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army appreciated the coordinated role played by the Sappers alongside the Indian Army Engineer Corps bridging contingent during an official event held at Army Headquarters, Colombo, on 07 January 2026. The event was also graced by the presence of Commander of the Sri Lanka Army.
The Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army commended the cooperation extended by the Sappers during the bridge restoration work at Kilinochchi, where the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers and a contingent of the Indian Army Corps of Engineers jointly restored a collapsed bridge along the A35 road. He specifically highlighted the assistance provided to the Indian Army disaster relief contingent, which enabled the successful execution of their task.
Second Lieutenant S D T N Ananda SLE of 14 CBRNE Regiment SLE has been formally appreciated by the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army in recognition of his outstanding assistance, professional conduct, military discipline and sustained support rendered to Indian Army Engineer units during the bridge construction operations in Ditwa affected areas in Badulla and Killinochchi commencing from 05 December 2025 and continuing to the present.
S/249487 Sapper Jayasundara J M S B of 9 Field Engineer Regiment which closely cooperated with the Indian Army contingent was symbolically awarded a token of appreciation at the event in recognition of the contribution during the disaster relief operations.
Sappers have shown their unwavering commitment during the post Ditwa operations stands as a testament to the value of joint effort and to duty, reinforcing strong defense ties and operational cooperation in the region.
