51 INFANTRY DIVISION TROOPS MAINTAIN INTENSIVE RELIEF OPERATIONS ACROSS JAFFNA PENINSULA

Troops of the 51 Infantry Division under Security Force Headquarters (Jaffna) maintained their intensive humanitarian operations across the Jaffna Peninsula on 4 December 2025, marking the third consecutive day of sustained relief efforts in response to Cyclone Ditwah and adverse weather conditions. Soldiers from all three brigades under command continued to address critical community needs through ongoing restoration projects, well cleaning and restoration operations, drainage improvement works, and systematic cleaning programmes at educational and healthcare facilities throughout the region.

Under the 511 Infantry Brigade, troops of the 9 (Volunteer) Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment conducted essential operations at two key locations. The battalion continued its ongoing restoration work at the AyyanarKovil in Kadduwan, where troops (01 officer with 10 soldiers) remained deployed in removing the large Banyan tree that had fallen on the religious site, with assistance from a boom-truck provided by the 10 Field Sri Lanka Engineer Regiment. The restoration work remained in progress as of 4 December 2025. Additionally, the battalion maintained its commitment to ensuring clean water supply in Antonypuram Village, Palali North, where rainwater had accumulated in houses. A water bowser belonging to the battalion distributed clean drinking water to affected civilians, with 01 officer with 05 soldiers troops participating in the operation.

Troops from the 15 Sri Lanka National Guard Battalion conducted critical well restoration work in Uduvil North, where public wells had become contaminated due to the disaster conditions experienced over recent days. With support from Engineer Service Regiment troops, the battalion deployed 02 officer with 10 soldiers to clean and restore the contaminated wells, ensuring the resumption of safe water supply to the local community. In parallel to these restoration tasks, the 15 Sri Lanka National Guard Battalion also undertook a community-focused humanitarian initiative at the J/200 Kandarodei Archaeological Site, where the battalion, in collaboration with Nagaviharaya Temple, distributed school items to children belonging to families affected by the recent disaster. This programme, conducted under the direction and supervision of the General Officer Commanding 51 Infantry Division and the Commander 511 Inf Bde, aimed at uplifting the morale of affected households whilst reinforcing educational support during this challenging period.

Under the 512 Infantry Brigade, troops of the 17 Gemunu Watch Regiment conducted multiple community support operations across the region. Soldiers (01 officer with 10 soldiers) cleaned an unclean well in Pumpugar, Ariyalai East, restoring it to a usable condition for local residents. The battalion further extended its community service efforts by carrying out a comprehensive cleaning programme at Ournary Pre School at Beach Road, with 01 officer with 10 soldiers participating in the operation. Troops of the 14 Gajaba Regiment conducted systematic cleaning operations at two educational facilities in Navanthurei. A team of 01 officer with 10 soldiers carried out a cleaning programme at St Mary's Nursery, whilst another detachment from the same battalion (01 officer with 10 soldiers) conducted a cleaning programme at St Mary's S.S. School Children Park, ensuring that educational and recreational facilities were restored for the benefit of young students and the local community.

Under the 513 Infantry Brigade, soldiers from the 10 Sri Lanka Artillery Regiment undertook significant drainage improvement operations in Mallakam to address flooding concerns in affected villages. A dedicated team of 01 officer with 15 soldiers cleaned canal lines in Ikkaranei village to facilitate effective drainage and mitigate flooding in the area. The battalion further deployed 01 officer with 10 soldiers to clean canal lines in Kallar village, systematically addressing drainage issues across multiple communities to prevent further flooding and restore normalcy to affected areas. Troops of the 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment conducted essential cleaning and restoration operations at healthcare and educational facilities. A dedicated team of 01 officer with 10 soldiers provided assistance in cleaning the premises of Tholpuram Primary First Aid Unit at Chullipuram, ensuring that essential healthcare facilities remained operational for the affected population. The battalion further deployed 01 officer with 10 soldiers to renovate the roof and clean the premises of Neela Pre School at Chankani, demonstrating the unit's comprehensive approach to restoring critical community infrastructure across the region.

As relief operations progressed into their third consecutive day, troops of the 51 Infantry Division continue to demonstrate solid commitment to humanitarian assistance across the Jaffna Peninsula, systematically addressing emerging community needs whilst maintaining critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the civilian population as recovery efforts advance throughout the region.