11th December 2025 08:56:14 Hours
The dam of the Mailamudiddakulam Tank, located in the Periyapuliyalankalam Grama Seva Division (211) under the Vengalasettikulam Divisional Secretariat, suffered a major collapse following heavy rains and the impact of Cyclone Ditva. The breach, which resulted in a 30 foot sand bund failure, posed a severe threat to nearly 250 farming families dependent on the tank for their livelihood. In response was launched under the close supervision of Major General S A U A Solangaarachchi RSP ndc psc, General Officer Commanding 56 Infantry Division, and carried out in accordance with the guidance of Major General K M P S B Kulatunga RSP ndc psc, Commander Security Force Headquarters (Wanni).
Following timely instructions from the Commander 562 Brigade, restoration efforts were launched under the direct supervision of the Commanding Officer of the 17 (V) Sri Lanka Light Infantry. On 07 to 09 December 2025, a 20 member troop team, supported by local residents and aided by a civilian excavator, commenced the coordinated repair of the breached embankment. Their combined efforts focused on stabilizing the damaged section, preventing further erosion, and restoring structural integrity to the tank.
For three consecutive days, troops worked tirelessly to safeguard nearby communities, employing sandbags and improvised engineering techniques to reinforce the weakened structure. Their rapid and disciplined response secured vital water resources and protected vulnerable families from further impact. This effective military intervention not only mitigated the immediate disaster risk but also reaffirmed the Sri Lanka Army’s unwavering commitment to public safety, community support, and efficient disaster-management operations.
