59 INFANTRY DIVISION CONDUCTS BEACH CLEANING PROGRAMME

In line with the national “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative and under the theme “A Clean Coastal Line – An Attractive Tourist Destination,” the 59 Infantry Division conducted a large-scale beach cleaning programme along the Mullaitivu to Kokilai coastline on 23 May 2026 from 0700 hrs to 1200 hrs.

The programme was conducted under the guidance of the General Officer Commanding of the 59 Infantry Division, Major General H A I Perera RWP RSP USP ndc, and under the supervision of the Commanders of the 591 and 593 Infantry Brigades, together with troops of the under-command battalions. The District Secretary of Mullaitivu, Mr. A Umamaheshwaran, also participated in the occasion.

Manpower for the programme was provided by the state security forces, including 37 Officers and 560 Other Ranks of the Sri Lanka Army, along with personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Police, Special Task Force, and the Civil Security Department, all of whom actively contributed to the success of the initiative.

In addition, several Government and Non-Government institutions and organizations in the Mullaitivu and Kokilai areas participated in the programme. These included the Mullaitivu District Secretariat, Mullaitivu and Pudukudiyiruppu Divisional Secretariats, Mullaitivu Pradeshiya Sabha, the Office of the Medical Officer of Health – Mullaitivu, and civilians from the surrounding areas.

With the participation of approximately 432 civilians, nearly 36.5 kilometres of the Mullaitivu to Kokilai coastal belt were successfully cleaned during the operation. The programme highlighted the importance of environmental conservation, community engagement, and collective responsibility in preserving the natural beauty of the country’s coastal areas while promoting tourism and public awareness.