29th January 2021 21:18:13 Hours
According to a concept of the General Officer Commanding 54 Infantry Division, Major General AAIJ Bandara RWP RSP USP ndu, a colorful Certificate Awarding Ceremony was held on 19 January 2021 at Headquarters 54 Infantry Division to appreciate soldiers who rendered their dedicated service to prevent illegal activities in Mannar District.
Due to the proximity to India, limited accessibility to the interior jungles and economic factors, Mannar District provides conductive environment for illegal activities such as drug trafficking, smuggling, poaching, illegal loading, illegal sand mining, deforestation, land encroachment and etc. The impact of these activities is not only on the people of Mannar but it transcends to other areas as well and hence preventing these activities is of utmost importance. Troops of 54 Infantry Division have been able to successfully reduce them by capturing illegal turmeric, timber, sand, cardamom and drugs such as Kerala Cannabis, Cardamom, Heroin, Ice etc with an approximated value of more than 215 million rupees.
The General Officer Commanding 54 Infantry Division graced the occasion as the chief guest. 37 officers and 336 other ranks were awarded appreciation certificates. 541, 542 and 543 Brigade Commanders too were present at this event and it was conducted according to the preventive measures of COVID 19 issued by government health authorities.
