RESTORATION OF AREAS AFFECTED BY ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE SRI LANKA ARMY

Following the Diṭvā Cyclone that struck the island 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 Kulathunga RSP ndc psc. Accordingly, all Army personnel of Divisions, Brigades, and Units under the Security Forces Headquarters (Wanni) were mobilized without delay to conduct relief operations and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities in support of communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah and the prevailing adverse weather conditions.

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 under-command Brigades remained fully engaged in restoring essential services, rehabilitating community infrastructure, and improving the living conditions of affected families across the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).

211 Infantry Brigade

Under the 211 Infantry Brigade, damaged areas were restored with the assistance of Sri Lanka Army troops in accordance with the directions of the General Officer Commanding of the 21 Infantry Division. Under the supervision of Colonel W W N P Wickramarachchi, Commander of the 211 Infantry Brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel K T M Jayadewa RSP USP psc, Commanding Officer of the 9th Battalion, The Gajaba Regiment, troops of the 9th Battalion carried out the renovation of a breached channel bund at the Alluthhalmillewa area on 17 and 18 December 2025.

As part of the “Nation Building Efforts after Adverse Weather” programme, 520 poly sack sandbags were filled and laid to restore the damaged structure. A total of 01 x 25 troops and 08 civilians actively participated, ensuring the successful completion of the task.

212 Infantry Brigade

Troops under the 212 Infantry Brigade contributed to relief efforts following adverse weather conditions reported on 18 December 2025. Under the guidance of the Commander, 212 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier B A M P Balasuriya RSP, Army personnel undertook the cleaning of religious premises and contaminated wells within the Brigade AOR affected by Cyclone Ditwah, thereby supporting the restoration of public life.

Accordingly, 01 x 10 troops of the 7 (V) Sri Lanka Armoured Corps assisted in cleaning the Palagala Neegrogharamaya premises. Furthermore, troops of the 4 Sri Lanka National Guard supported the Disaster Management Centre, Anuradhapura, by repairing the Ikiriwewa railway line damaged due to adverse weather. In addition, 01 x 13 troops provided assistance in cleaning contaminated wells in the Anuradhapura and Rajanganaya areas affected by flooding. Moreover 01 x 13 troops assisted the Pradeshiya Sabha, Rajanganaya, in reconstructing the Rajanganaya Track 15 Road, while 01 x 10 troops provided assistance in cleaning contaminated wells at the Sarana Sewana Girls’ Home in the Anuradhapura area, which were affected by flooding.

213 Infantry Brigade

Under the 213 Infantry Brigade, several areas within its AOR were impacted by ongoing adverse weather conditions. In response, and with the objective of restoring civilian livelihoods, rehabilitation work was conducted on 18 December 2025 under the instructions of the Commander, 21 Infantry Division, and the supervision of the Commander, 213 Infantry Brigade.

With the full oversight of the Commanding Officers of the 2 (V) Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment and the 5th Sri Lanka National Guard, troops carried out restoration work on the breached bunds of the Kokpatiyawa and Madadeniyagama tanks, located within the Medawachchiya and Nochchiyagama Divisional Secretariat Divisions. The restoration was successfully completed by laying sandbags with the dedicated labour contribution of the respective troops.

Also, troops restored damaged sections of the railway line from Cheddikulam to Mohoththankulam, within the Vengal Cheddikulam Divisional Secretariat Division. In addition, the breached bunds of the Kokapattiyawa and Mahalindawewa tanks, located in the Medawachchiya and Nochchiyagama Divisional Secretariat Divisions, were repaired by filling and laying sandbags.

Through rapid response, 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—protecting lives, restoring essential services, and rebuilding confidence and normalcy in cyclone-affected areas.