Troops of 6 Sri Lanka Artillery (SLA) were called to conduct search and rescue operations in Attanagalla - Ketakalapitiya areas after Attanagalu Oya overflowed and displaced few families early this morning (5).
While search, rescue and relief operations were in full swing, troops came across four members of two affected families who had been confirmed positive to COVID-19. Troops swiftly got in touch with health staff and arranged them to be taken to suitable quarantine centres or hospitals despite inclement weather patterns. Others rescued were accommodated elsewhere and troops took steps to isolate those from virus-affected families.
Meanwhile, troops rescued more than five families, trapped in floods and sent them to safe locations with the coordination of government authorities in the area.
On the directions of General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, Major General Vikum Liyanage, Commander Security Forces - West, Major General Sujeewa Senerath Yapa, General Officer Commanding 14 Division, Brigadier pradeep Gamage, Commander 141 Brigade and Commanding Officer 6 Sri Lanka Artillery closely supervised the troops during these search & rescue missions.
