MANNAR TROOPS INTERACT WITH STATE OFFICIALS AT VILLAGE LEVEL FOR BETTER FEEDBACK

In a bid to explore possibilities of further addressing the grievances of the civilians and lending assistance for resolution of their pestering hardships, the 541 Infantry Brigade, under command of the 54 Infantry Division of the Security Force Headquarters (Wanni), in close collaboration with the Divisional Secretariat for Manathai West, Nanattan, and Mannar, had separate interactive meetings with respective Grama Seva Niladari (state officials) after inviting them separately to the 12 (V) Sri Lanka Artillery (covering Kurai and Vedithalattivu areas, and 10 (V) Gemunu Watch (covering Sirinathkulam and Mannar areas) during 19 and 20 January 2023.

The conferences, chaired by the respective Commanding Officers of 12 SLA and 10 (V) GW, discussed a variety of issues, including those experienced by low-income group families, the needs of farmers, the concerns of students and parents, the shortage of infrastructure facilities, the transport of their harvests, economic constraints, etc., with a special focus on the promotion of civil-military cooperation.

45 Grama Seva Niladari (state officials) who participated in those coordinating conferences aired their views individually, pointed out the nature of their burning issues in relevant areas, and sought the Army's coordination and assistance to resolve the same.

Major General Nalinda Niyangoda, General Officer Commanding, 54 Infantry Division, and Brigadier Dasantha Munasinghe, Commander, 541 Infantry Brigade, offered necessary guidelines and instructions to both respective Commanding Officers on the conduct of those discussions.