HEALTH AND SANITATION AWARENESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING PROGRAMME CONDUCTED IN MURUNKAN TOWN UNDER THE “CLEAN SRI LANKA” PROGRAMME

In line with the national initiative “Clean Sri Lanka,” a Health and Sanitation Awareness and Environmental Cleaning Programme was conducted with the objective of promoting a healthy and clean environment for the residents of the Mannar area. The programme was organized under the guidance and instructions of the General Officer Commanding of the 54 Infantry Division, Major General A M C Abeykoon RWP RSP USP ndc.

Accordingly, a cleaning programme was conducted from Murunkan Town up to the Giant Tank bund, within the Area of Responsibility (AOR) of the 542 Infantry Brigade. The programme was successfully carried out on 10 March 2026 from 0900 hrs to 1200 hrs with the participation of representatives from the Medical Officer of Health Office – Nanattan, Murunkan Police Station, Nanattan Pradeshiya Sabha, and members of the local community.

With the assistance of the Nanattan Medical Officer of Health Office, several activities were conducted during the programme, including:

a. Raising public awareness on the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

b. Cleaning the surrounding areas with the active participation of the business community and the general public.

c. Placing garbage bins in public areas to promote a proper waste disposal management system.

d. Discussing and initiating future measures to ensure the continuous maintenance of environmental cleanliness and hygiene.

The programme was conducted under the close supervision of the Commander of the 542 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier A R W C Asurasinghe RWP RSP USP. The Medical Officer of Health – Nanattan, Dr. S Jude Ravi Pachel, along with Public Health Inspectors, officers from the Murunkan Police Station, staff members of the Nanattan Pradeshiya Sabha, members of the Murunkan business community, and local residents actively contributed to the programme.

The Commanding Officer of the 8th Battalion, Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Major S H R J de Silva RSP psc, together with officers and other ranks, made all necessary arrangements for the successful conduct of the programme. Coordination activities were carried out by the Civil Affairs Officer of the 542 Infantry Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel W A N D Jayasundara.