Comprehensive Cimic and Community Service Programmes Conducted by 51 Infantry Division to Mark the 78th Independence Day

A wide range of Civil-Military Cooperation, environmental, social welfare and community engagement programmes were successfully conducted across the Jaffna District on 04 February 2026 in parallel with the celebration of 78th National Independence Day.

These programmes were carried out as part of a master programme organised by the 51 Infantry Division, under the direction of Security Forces Headquarters (Jaffna) and the General Officer Commanding 51 Infantry Division, Major General MR Razick RSP ndu with the active involvement of subordinate formations and affiliated units.

As part of the Independence Day activities, the 15 Battalion Sri Lanka National Guard conducted a social welfare programme at the Auxilium Children Home in the Valikamam East. During the programme, a special lunch was provided and stationery items were donated to 35 children and 08 staff members, with the participation of troops of the Battalion.

In addition, a beach volleyball competition was organised by 9 (V) Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment at the Multi Sports Complex of Security Forces Headquarters (Jaffna). The event was conducted with the participation of civilian sports teams from Atchuvely Central School, Kalaimadi Sports Club, Win Win Sports Club and alongside Army teams from 15 Battalion Sri Lanka National Guard, 9 (V) Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment. Army and civilian teams competed separately, fostering sportsmanship and positive civil-military interaction.

A CIMIC programme was also conducted under the coordination of the 512 Infantry Brigade at Pannai Junction and Causeway, with the participation of 17 Gemunu Watch Regiment, the Jaffna Municipal Council, the Department of Archaeology, Jaffna and the Sri Lanka Police, Station Jaffna. The programme aimed to support public welfare and promote a safe, organised and conducive environment during the national celebrations. Additionally, troops of the 512 Infantry Brigade provided assistance to a cleaning programme at Old Park, Jaffna, organised by the District Secretariat, Jaffna, further strengthening inter-agency cooperation.

Environmental and community service activities were also conducted under the 513 Infantry Brigade as part of the CIMIC programme. Keeramalai Beach was cleaned with the participation of troops from 10 Sri Lanka Artillery Regiment, together with members of the local civilian population. Similarly, a cleaning programme was carried out at Casuarina Beach, Karainagar by 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment in collaboration with members of the Meen Sunthei Fishermen’s Association.

In conjunction with these activities, a tree planting programme was organised under 513 Infantry Brigade, during which ten saplings were planted at designated locations and within the camp premises. Furthermore, in line with the “Clean Sri Lanka” National Programme, a Shramadana (community service) campaign was conducted with the participation of troops from the Headquarter 513 Infantry Brigade, local residents and railway station staff of Kankesanthurai, demonstrating collective responsibility towards environmental cleanliness and public wellbeing.

These coordinated CIMIC, environmental, social welfare and community engagement programmes contributed significantly to improving public welfare, environmental sustainability, and social harmony across the Jaffna District. In keeping with the theme of the 78th National Independence Day, “Let Us Build Sri Lanka”, the initiatives reflect the continued commitment of the Sri Lanka Army, under the leadership of Security Forces Headquarters (Jaffna) and Major General MR Razick RSP ndu, to national development, civil-military cooperation and community wellbeing.