Navy on the frontlines of flood relief operations

In the face of harsh weather, the Sri Lanka Navy dispatched relief teams to assist communities affected by floods in the Western, Southern, and Sabaragamuwa provinces. These teams have rescued 316 individuals in districts such as Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Rathnapura, Galle, and Matara as of this morning (05th June 2024). Furthermore, the Navy has provided boat transportation for over 2,700 people to access essential services.

A total of 59 Navy teams are actively engaged in relief efforts across various affected regions. Specifically, there are 10 teams operating in the Kaduwela, Meethotamulla, and Welivita areas of Colombo district; 10 teams in the Millaniya, Bulathsinhala, Ingiriya, Welipenna, Madurawala, Galpatha, Thebuwana and Kethhena areas of Kalutara district; 14 teams in Biyagama, Malwana, Mabima, Dompe, Ja-Ela, Gampaha and Veyangoda areas of Gampaha district; 2 teams in Kalawana and Kiriella areas of Rathnapura district; 8 teams in the Thawalama, Udugama, Dodangoda, Nagoda, Divithura and Baddegama areas of Galle district; and 15 teams in the Matara, Malimbada, Akuressa, Panathugama, Karagoda, Uyangoda, Kamburupitiya and Thihagoda areas of Matara district. These teams are working diligently to support the affected communities.

Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Commander of the Navy, attended the disaster management meeting at the Kaduwela Divisional Secretariat on 04th June. Following the meeting, he inspected the area around the Hettige Canal Bridge, Kaduwela to assess how the Navy could assist in clearing large trees obstructing the water flow.

In a display of dedication, the Navy relief teams extended vital support to the flood-affected regions of Kalutara district, including Madurawala, Ihala Welgama, Kithulgalwila, and Bulathsinghala. They distributed cooked meals and dry rations to the local communities. Additionally, the Navy teams played a crucial role in clearing the debris at Vidyaraja National School in Thawalama, Galle, following the collapse of mounds in the school premises.

Moreover, the Navy has prepared additional relief teams for rapid deployment in collaboration with the Disaster Management Centers.