CLEANING PROGRAMME CONDUCTED AT ST. ANTHONY’S CHURCH, SIPPIARU

Recognizing the spiritual and community significance of St. Anthony’s Church in Sippiaru, located in the MN/03 Paliaru Grama Niladhari Division, troops of the 5th Battalion Mechanized Infantry Regiment conducted a cleaning programme on 07 January 2026.

As this sacred site attracts a large number of devotees on a weekly basis, maintaining cleanliness and proper sanitation is of utmost importance. In accordance with the instructions of Major General A M C Abeykoon RWP RSP USP ndc, General Officer Commanding of the 54 Infantry Division, the programme was carried out under the guidance of Brigadier I P Jayasinghe RWP, Commander 541 Infantry Brigade, and under the direct supervision of Lieutenant Colonel J P U Kumara USP, Commanding Officer of the 5th Battalion Mechanized Infantry Regiment.

Troops of the 5th Battalion Mechanized Infantry Regiment actively participated in the initiative, which focused on cleaning the church premises and surrounding areas that had become cluttered. The programme successfully ensured a clean, serene, and hygienic environment for devotees and visitors, reflecting the Army’s continued commitment to community welfare and religious harmony.