Sri Lanka Army Restores Areas Affected by Adverse Weather Conditions

Following the Diṭvā Cyclone 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. Accordingly, all Army personnel of Divisions, Brigades, and Units under the Security Forces Headquarters (Wanni) were promptly mobilized to carry out relief operations and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) tasks in support of communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah and the prevailing adverse weather conditions.

In line with these directives, 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, conducted 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 facilities, and improving the living conditions of affected families across the Division’s area of responsibility.

Under the 211 Infantry Brigade, and 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 conducted a school cleaning programme at M/Janakapura Maha Vidyalaya on 15 and 17 December 2025 as part of the “Nation Building Efforts after Adverse Weather.” A total of 10 Other Ranks, along with teachers, students, and parents, participated in the programme, contributing to its successful completion.

Under the 212 Infantry Brigade, troops contributed to relief efforts following adverse weather conditions reported on 17 December 2025. Under the guidance of the Commander, 212 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier B A M P Balasuriya RSP, Army personnel supported the reconstruction of tank bunds and roads within the Brigade’s area of responsibility affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Accordingly, 15 troops of the 7 (V) Sri Lanka Armoured Corps assisted residents of No. 604 Galapitagala village in reconstructing the breached bund of Pandith Wewa near its spill gate.

Furthermore, troops of the 4 Sri Lanka National Guard distributed essential items to students of Rajanganaya Track 4 Primary School and to eight pregnant mothers affected by flooding, through a donation made by Mrs. Vidumini De Silva, Galle District Manager of People’s Bank. Additionally, 20 troops assisted in cleaning contaminated wells in the Rajanganaya Track 9 area and the Galkadawala Grama Niladhari Division affected by flood conditions.

Under the 213 Infantry Brigade, several areas were impacted by adverse weather conditions within the Brigade’s area of responsibility. Accordingly, with the objective of restoring civilian livelihoods, and on the instructions of the Commander of the 21 Infantry Division, under the supervision 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 was carried out on 17 December 2025. Breached bunds of the Kokpatiyawa, Bellankadawala, Mahalidawawa, Madadeniyagama, and Siyabalagasweva tanks, located within the Medawachchiya, Nochchiyagama, Mahavilachchiya, and Central Nuwara District Divisional Secretariat divisions, were restored by laying sandbags with the labour contribution of the respective troops.

Through rapid action, professionalism, and close coordination with civil authorities and local communities, the troops of the 21 Infantry Division once again exemplified 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.