16th May 2023 12:16:54 Hours
Due to the rapid transmission of dengue fever in the Western Province, especially in Colombo and Gampaha Districts, the Sri Lanka Government has launched several dengue prevention projects in order to prevent the spread of dengue mosquitoes in the Western Province in the present day.
In an effort to speed up the said dengue prevention projects, troops serving under the Security Forces (West) have been contributing their manpower to the success of those projects as per the requests of the respective authorities. West Army personnel are providing their assistance for dengue prevention projects in collaboration with respective Divisional Secretariats, MOH offices, medical staff, police personnel, and personnel of several government agencies.
Accordingly, about 100 troops of the 18 Sri Lanka National Guard serving under 144 Infantry Brigade lent their assistance to launch a special dengue prevention programme, covering the following MOH areas Pitakotte, Mirihana, Udahamulla and Madiwela, on 13 May 2023.
The project covered around 1700 places, including residences, public places and workplaces. The 144 Brigade Commander and Commanding Officer of the 18th Sri Lanka National Guard also participated in the project by giving necessary instructions.
Meanwhile, on 13 May 2023, troops of 15 Drone Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery and 7 (v) Battalion Gajaba Regiment under the 142 Infantry Brigade assisted in dengue prevention programmes that covered Maharagama and Piliyandala Police Areas, respectively. In line with the projects, the Army's involvement is closely supervised by the 142 Brigade Commander and the respective Commanding Officers.
At the same time, the surrounding area of the Colombo Royal College compound, located in the 142 Brigade Area of Responsibility, was cleaned by troops of the 21 Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment on 13 May 2023, as per the request of the school authorities. At the same time, 30 troops also provided their contribution to the Mahanama College - Colombo to conduct a Shramadana Campaign in order to clean the surrounding area of the school premises on 14 May 2023.
30 troops from the 8 Battalion Sri Lanka Light Infantry of 141 Infantry Brigade also assisted in providing their manpower to conduct another dengue prevention programme, covering Kiribathgoda and Weliweriya Areas on 13 May 2023. Further, a contingent of 10 Army personnel also supported the launch of another dengue prevention project in the Biyagama area on 14 May 2023.
At the same time, a group of Army soldiers from 5 Field Engineers serving under 142 Infantry Brigade on 14 May 2023, joined hands with local government officials and Grama Seva divisions in Boralesgamuwa and Bellanvila, actively took part in a dengue prevention campaign , spearheaded by the MOH offices.
Meanwhile, 15 troops of 6 Filed Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery under 141 Infantry Brigade contributed to a dengue eradication campaign launched in the Bemmulla area on 14 May 2023, while they also lent assistance to another dengue prevention campaign covering the Kelaniya area on 15 May 2023, with the participation of 15 Army troops.
Moreover, the engagement of Security Forces (West) troops in dengue prevention projects in the Western Province is a commendable move that deserves recognition. The Sri Lanka Government and the respective authorities have correctly recognized the need for a concerted effort to prevent the spread of dengue fever, and the involvement of the Army personnel has certainly contributed to the success of these projects.
The involvement of the Army troops has been closely supervised by the respective Brigade Commanders and Commanding Officers, ensuring that the projects are carried out effectively and efficiently. Further, the projects were conducted as per the guidelines of the Commander Security Forces (West) with the instructions of the Commander of the Army.
