03rd June 2024 16:54:58 Hours
Despite the recent heavy rains in the Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Ratnapura, and Kegalle Districts, Neluwa, Thawalama, Weliwitiya, Baddegama, Elpitiya, Thihagoda, Akuressa, Malimbada, Athuraliya, Morawaka, Kamburupitiya, Dehiowita, Idangoda Divisional Secretariat areas, which led to devastating floods on 1 June 2024, the resilience of the affected communities has been truly remarkable. The Army troops and various government agencies, including the District Secretariat and Disaster Management Centre, have been working tirelessly to provide humanitarian assistance and restore civil life in these areas.
Under the strategic direction of the Commander Security Forces (West) Major General SWM Fernando WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc and the guidance of the General Officer Commanding 61 Infantry Division, the relief operations have been meticulously planned and executed. The close supervision of the Commanders of 611, 612, and 613 Infantry Brigades, and the active involvement of troops of 20 Battalion of Sri Lanka Light Infantry, 8 Battalion of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, 9 Battalion of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, 8 Gemunu Watch, 2(V) Gemunu Watch and 3(V) Gemunu Watch, have ensured the smooth running of the humanitarian assistance operations.
This mission includes transporting personnel, providing food, removing fallen trees and debris, assisting in protecting household items, houses, and buildings, and ensuring the continuation of essential services in the area. The troops have been working diligently to assist government agencies in their smooth function and the community in surviving the disaster. Also, the 61 Infantry Division maintains 47 Internally Displaced Personnel Centers for the flood victims.
The collaboration between the army troops and other government agencies has effectively coordinated rescue operations. The combined efforts have brought the situation back to normalcy, relieving the affected communities.
Further, the dedication and commitment the Army troops show in carrying out their rescue operations deserve commendation. Their efforts have helped restore infrastructure and provided a sense of security and hope to the affected communities.
