51 Infantry Division Troops Continue Humanitarian Support in Jaffna Peninsula

Troops of the 51 Infantry Division under Security Force Headquarters (Jaffna) continued to provide extensive humanitarian assistance to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah and adverse weather conditions across the Jaffna Peninsula on 2 December 2025. Soldiers from all three brigades under command conducted diverse relief operations, including infrastructure restoration, drinking water distribution, cleaning programmes and community support activities.

Troops of the 9 (Volunteer) Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment, operating under the 511 Infantry Brigade, responded to urgent civilian needs in the Palali North area. Following the accumulation of rainwater in houses located in Antonypuram Village, a water bowser belonging to the battalion distributed clean drinking water to affected civilians. The operation was carried out with the participation of 01 officer and 05 soldiers.

In addition to immediate relief efforts, troops of the 9 (Volunteer) Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment continued restoration work at the Ayyanar Kovil in Kadduwan, where a Banyan tree had fallen on the religious site on 30 November 2025, resulting in partial damage to the roof structure. As of 2 December 2025, 02 officers with 15 soldiers remained deployed on the ongoing repair task, with support from the 10 Field Sri Lanka Engineer Regiment (01 officer with 12 soldiers).

Troops from the 15 Sri Lanka National Guard Battalion, also under the 511 Infantry Brigade, conducted essential drinking water distribution operations at two safety centres in the region. 01 officer with 05 Soldiers delivered purified drinking water to displaced persons accommodated at the Urelu Sri Ganesha School Safety Centre and St Anthony's Church Safety Centre in Chunnakam, ensuring continued access to clean water for families affected by flooding and damage to their residences.

Under the 512 Infantry Brigade, troops of the 14 Gajaba Regiment carried out significant cleaning operations at two locations. A team of 01 officer with 15 soldiers conducted a cleaning programme at Kakativu Jetty. Separately, another detachment from the same battalion (01 officer with 15 soldiers) undertook a comprehensive cleaning programme at Osmaniya College, following a request from the Principal, Mrs Fathima Sapna. The swift response by troops ensured that the educational facilities were restored for use by the local community.

Troops of the 17 Gemunu Watch Regiment, operating under the same brigade, extended assistance across multiple locations. In the aftermath of adverse weather conditions, soldiers promptly removed a fallen tree from the premises of St John Bosco Vidyalaya at Temple Road, Maruthady, with 01 officer and 15 soldiers participating in the operation. The battalion also conducted a cleaning programme at St Roche's Church premises at Beach Road, Gurunagar, deploying 01 officer with 10 soldiers for the task. Furthermore, troops of the 17 Gemunu Watch Regiment carried out a drinking water distribution programme for residents of the Pumpugar area in Ariyalai East, ensuring that affected families had access to clean drinking water.

Meanwhile, troops under the 513 Infantry Brigade conducted extensive relief operations across multiple locations in the northern peninsula. Soldiers from the 10 Sri Lanka Artillery Regiment extended essential assistance to flood-affected communities in several areas. A dedicated team of 01 officer with 10 soldiers cleaned uprooted trees along the Senthankulam–Keeramalai Road at Ilavalei North West, restoring access along the important route. In a demonstration of community support, the same unit helped fishermen families in Senthankulam reconstruct their fish huts which had been destroyed during the heavy rain and strong winds. Additionally, troops from the 10 Sri Lanka Artillery Regiment (01 officer with 10 soldiers) assisted civilians in cleaning Vigneshwaram School at Mathagal East, which had been affected by flooding.

Troops of the 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment, also operating under the 513 Infantry Brigade, conducted multiple operations throughout the day. A dedicated team of 01 officer with 04 soldiers distributed drinking water to Vaddu Hindu College, which was serving as a safety centre for displaced persons. Simultaneously, another detachment of 01 officer with 15 soldiers from the same battalion removed uprooted trees and conducted road clearance operations in the Karainagar area, restoring mobility for local residents. The battalion further deployed 01 officer with 05 soldiers to provide assistance in cleaning the religious site at Karainagar Shivan Kovil. Troops of the 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment also rendered essential support in cleaning school premises at Chullipuram Victoria College, with 01officer and 05 soldiers participating in the operation.

In a separate operation, troops from Headquarters 51 Infantry Division deployed a team of 01 officer with 25 soldiers to clear uprooted trees at Raja Street, Kopay, in the Valikamam East area, demonstrating the division's commitment to restoring normalcy across the Jaffna Peninsula.

Troops of the 51 Infantry Division continue to remain deployed across affected areas in the Jaffna Peninsula, ready to extend necessary support and ensure the safety and wellbeing of the civilian population as recovery efforts progress.