08th July 2025 17:34:50 Hours
In a swift and determined response to a raging forest fire in the Viharapalugama Forest Reserve, located in Pandulagama, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka Army troops were successfully deployed to contain the blaze and avert a potential ecological catastrophe.
On the directives of the Commander Security Forces (Wanni), Major General K M P S B Kulatunga RSP ndc psc with the close supervision of the General Officer Commanding, 21 Infantry Division and the Commander, 212 Infantry Brigade, Army personnel were mobilized to subdue the fire, which had erupted deep within the forest and was rapidly spreading due to strong winds in the highly combustible terrain.
The deployed troops, consisting of 04 x 25 personnel from the 2 Engineer Services Regiment, led by the Commanding Officer, along with an additional team of 01 x 15 infantry soldiers from the 212 Infantry Brigade, were quickly committed to the mission under challenging and high-risk conditions.
Upon arrival, the troops encountered multiple operational challenges. The fire had already engulfed approximately one square kilometre of forest land and was advancing deeper into the forest. There was no immediate water source in the vicinity, and vehicles could not proceed beyond a point nearly three kilometres from the heart of the fire due to the difficult jungle terrain. As a result, troops were compelled to carry equipment and proceed on foot over thorny terrain to reach the blaze. The area was further complicated by the presence of wild elephants, which had grown increasingly aggressive and agitated due to the fire and smoke.
Despite these formidable obstacles, the troops displayed exceptional courage, discipline, and perseverance, navigating through thorn-laden, dry, burning forest terrain, continued their mission with steadfast commitment and ultimately succeeded in halting the fire after nearly four hours of strenuous effort. Further, intervention effectively prevented the fire from spreading further into the jungle, averting a large-scale environmental disaster.
The troops were gratefully and highly commended by the Forest Conservation Department for their outstanding contribution. Authorities acknowledged that the timely and courageous intervention by the Army had prevented a catastrophic impact on the forest and its wildlife. They extended heartfelt appreciation to the Sri Lanka Army for its bravery, resilience, and unwavering readiness to respond to national emergencies, even under the most difficult circumstances.
