20th December 2025 20:22:45 Hours
Following the Cyclone Ditwah that struck on 26 November 2025, disaster relief operations were immediately initiated under emergency conditions on the directives of the Commander, Security Forces (Wanni), Major General K M P S B Kulatunga RSP ndc psc. In accordance with these instructions, all Army personnel of Divisions, Brigades, and Units under the Security Forces Headquarters (Wanni) were promptly mobilized to conduct relief operations and Civil-Military Coordination (CIMIC) tasks in support of communities affected by the cyclone and the prevailing adverse weather conditions.
In line with those instructions, Demonstrating the Sri Lanka Army’s unwavering commitment to national welfare, the 21 Infantry Division, under the command of Major General T N K Perera, carried out extensive humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations from 28 November 2025 onwards. All brigades under command remained fully engaged in restoring essential services, rehabilitating community infrastructure, and uplifting the daily living conditions of affected families throughout the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Under the 212 Infantry Brigade, troops of the 21 Infantry Division extended significant support to relief efforts following adverse weather conditions reported on 12 December 2025. Under the guidance of the Commander, 212 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier B A M P Balasuriya RSP, Army troops contributed to the reconstruction of damaged tank bunds and roads within the Brigade AOR devastated by Cyclone Ditwah, with the objective of restoring public life.
Accordingly, 01 x 10 troops of the 7 (V) Sri Lanka Armoured Corps, together with local villagers, repaired a damaged irrigation canal at Weli Ela village, Palugaswewa, using concrete pipes.
Furthermore, troops of the 4 Sri Lanka National Guard carried out cleaning operations at the well of the Anuradhapura Bhikkhu University. They also repaired approximately 1 km of road in Rajanganaya Track 09 village, which had been damaged by the disaster, and assisted residents in cleaning eight polluted houses in the affected area.
Under the 213 Infantry Brigade, several areas affected by adverse weather conditions were restored with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Army. Due to ongoing inclement weather, multiple locations within the Brigade AOR had been impacted by disasters.
Accordingly, with the objective of restoring normal civilian life, and under the guidance of the Commander, 213 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier B N S B Rangama RSP USP psc, and the direct supervision of the Commanding Officers of the 2 (V) Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment and the 5th Sri Lanka National Guard, repair work to the breached bunds of the Muwa Aetagama, Kokpattiyawa, Bellankadawala, and Thuppitiyawa tanks—belonging to the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Medawachchiya, Mahavilachchiya, and Nuwaragam Palatha Central—was successfully carried out on 16 December 2025. These repairs were conducted by laying sandbags, with manpower contributed by troops of the respective units.
Through swift action, professionalism, and close coordination with civil authorities and local communities, the troops of the 21 Infantry Division once again demonstrated the Sri Lanka Army’s vital role in disaster response by safeguarding lives, restoring essential services, and rebuilding confidence and normalcy in cyclone-affected areas.
