WEST TROOPS ACTIVELY CONTRIBUTED TO BEACH CLEARING

In coincide with the National Marine Resources Conservation Week (17–24 September) and the International Coastal Clean-up Day-2022 (17 September), Security Forces (West) launched several beach cleaning programmes covering Western and Southern provinces’ coastal areas, littered with discarded wrappers, polythene, plastic bottles, empty beer cans, empty liquor bottles, etc.

On the instruction of the Commander Security Forces (West), Major General D M K D B Pussella RWP RSP, these beach cleaning programmes were organized with a view to creating an attitudinal awakening of the general public and making them recognize the value of coastal and marine resources while attracting community participation for beach clean-up efforts.

Accordingly, the troops of 143 Infantry Brigade conducted a beach clearing programme from 18 to 24 September 2022 at the Chilaw coastal belt under the close supervision of the commander of 143 Infantry Brigade and Sector Commander of Sector 22 – Madampe.

In parallel to the event, troops of 12 Field Engineers of 612 Infantry Brigade contributed with their supreme level to clear a part of the coastal line between Kaluthara to Beruwala liaison with the officials of coast Conservation Department – Kaluthara on 22 September 2022.

In addition to that, with the guidance of Commander 141 Infantry Brigade troops of the Headquarters 141 Infantry Brigade, 6 Field Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery, 8 Battalion Sri Lanka Light Infantry and 2 (V) Sri Lanka Army service corps, in collaboration with the Marine Environment Protection Authority and Urban Council-Negombo, a beach cleaning operation was conducted on 23 September 2022 from Negambo to the Poruthota coastal belt.

Meanwhile, the troops of 3 (V) Battalion the Gemunu Watch of 613 Infantry Brigade extended their support to clean two coastal areas in Wellamadama and Pigeon Island – Mathara on 20 and 21 September 2022 respectively, with the cooperation of the school children of Sujatha Vidyalaya and St. Mary’s Convert – Matara. As well as , Army personnel of 14 (V) Battalion the Gemunu Watch under 613 Infantry Brigade also conducted a beach clearing project together with ‘Help O’ Organization (NGO), Police Personnel – Galle and some volunteers in the area at Dewata coastal belt in Galle on 23 September 2022.

In the meantime, a contingent of Army personnel of 7 Battalion the Gemunu (Watch) of 142 Infantry Brigade launched another beach cleaning project at the Crow Island Beach area on 22 September 2022 with the support of the Urban Council – Colombo.

Altogether, around 200 Army personnel who are serving under Security Forces (West) participated in those beach cleaning programmes.