51 Infantry Division Troops Maintain Continuous Community Assistance Operations Across Jaffna Peninsula

Troops of the 51 Infantry Division under Security Force Headquarters (Jaffna) continued their community assistance operations across the Jaffna Peninsula on 5 December 2025, marking the third consecutive day of intensive relief efforts in response to Cyclone Ditwah and prevailing adverse weather conditions. Soldiers from all three brigades under command systematically addressed community needs through well cleaning and restoration operations, drainage improvements, and cleaning programmes at educational, religious, and healthcare facilities.

Under the 511 Infantry Brigade, troops of the 9 (Volunteer) Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment successfully completed the removal of a large Banyan tree that had fallen onto the premises of Ayyanar Kovil, Kadduwan, with assistance from a boom-truck provided by 10 Field Sri Lanka Engineer Regiment. The operation, which had been ongoing since 1 December, was concluded on 5 December 2025, restoring the religious site to a safe and accessible condition. In Palali North Village, the battalion continued its support to flood-affected civilians by distributing purified drinking water, with 01 officer and 05 soldiers participating in the operation to ensure safe water supply to local households. Troops of the 15 Sri Lanka National Guard Battalion conducted well restoration operations at Uduvil North, cleaning contaminated public wells with the support of ESR troops. Two separate teams, each comprising 02 officers with soldiers, carried out operations at different locations, restoring safe water supply to local communities.

Under the 512 Infantry Brigade, soldiers of the 14 Gajaba Regiment conducted a comprehensive cleaning programme at St Mary’s Church, Navanthurei, employing 01 officer with 15 soldiers to restore the religious facility for community use. In parallel, troops from the same battalion carried out cleaning operations at Thaleivan Cricket Ground, Navanthurei, deploying 01 officer with 10 soldiers to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for recreational activities. Troops of the 17 Gemunu Watch Regiment undertook community-focused operations in the area, restoring a clean and safe environment at Saraswathi Pre School, Irupalai East, with 01 officer and 10 soldiers participating, and cleaning another well in Pumpugar, Ariyalai South East, deploying 01 officer with 10 soldiers, further supporting safe water supply for local residents.

Under the 513 Infantry Brigade, amid ongoing adverse weather conditions, troops of the 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment extended essential support to healthcare infrastructure. A dedicated team of 01 officer with 10 soldiers cleaned and restored the premises of Vaddukkodai Regional Hospital, Araly West, ensuring that essential medical services remained operational for affected communities.

As relief operations progressed into their fourth consecutive day, troops of the 51 Infantry Division continued to demonstrate unwavering commitment to community assistance operations across the Jaffna Peninsula, systematically addressing emerging community needs, restoring critical infrastructure, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the civilian population as recovery efforts advanced throughout the region.