Troops still at work in cyclone-affected Gampaha District

Army troops, deployed in more than 20 Grama Niladari Divisions in Divulapitiya Divisional Secretariat area in Gampaha District are still engaged in clearing and relief operations in cyclonic wind-hit locations in close coordination with members of sister services, District Secretariat and officials of the Disaster Management Centre, the Army media unit said.

The sudden emergence of cyclonic winds in the western province during evening hours on Friday (12) prompted Army personnel in the Security Force Headquarters – West (SFHQ-West) to rush to affected areas and respond quickly providing immediate clearing assistance and relief measures.

Troops are currently busy clearing of roads, restoring electricity, removal of fallen trees and other paraphernalia, establishment of temporary shelters and huts, laying of tarpaulin on damaged roofs, transport of garbage and other related work under the guidance of Major General Ralph Nugera, General Officer Commanding, 14 Division.

Alert to the sudden cyclonic catastrophe, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army instructed the SFHQ-West to take necessary steps as necessary and help the victims as much as possible.

Troops of the 141 Brigade, 8 Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI), 2 (V) Sri Lanka Army Service Corps (SLASC) of the 14 Division as on Monday (15) are serving Diklanda, Katukenda, Sirignawatta, Alugolla, Agalegedara, Mellawagedara, Heeralugedara, Pethigoda, Polhena, Walpita, Tammita, Kudagammana, Hagawatta, Waradala, Pahalamadithiyawela, Ullapola, Ihalamadithiyawela, Hunumulla, Kalumada and Delwagura areas where more than 661 houses remain either partly or fully damaged due to those cyclonic winds.

Major General Ralph Nugera, GOC, 14 Division in the past two days visited the worst-affected Alugolla, Mallawagedara, Diklanda, Katukenda, Heeralugedara and Giriulla areas and encouraged the troops.