TROOPS ASSIST IN CONTAINING FIRE AT “PAPER CORNER” IN KURUNEGALA

A sudden fire broke out at approximately 0730 hours on 28 May 2026 at “Paper Corner,” a private establishment in Kurunegala town engaged in the sale of school books and laboratory chemicals. The incident caused severe damage to the premises and required the immediate intervention of emergency services and security personnel. In response to the emergency, a team comprising 01 x 08 troops, including the Commanding Officer of the 9th Battalion Sri Lanka National Guard (SLNG), was deployed to provide assistance in coordination with officers of the Kurunegala Fire Brigade and officials of the Kurunegala Municipal Council.

Fire engines of the Kurunegala Fire Brigade were promptly dispatched to the scene to control the blaze, while a water bowser belonging to the Regimental Centre of the Sri Lanka National Guard was also deployed in support of the firefighting efforts. Troops further assisted in removing goods stored inside the warehouse of the establishment that were at risk of being destroyed by the fire. Personnel of the 9th Battalion Sri Lanka National Guard worked closely with firefighters of the Kurunegala Fire Brigade, officials of the District Disaster Management Centre, and officers of the Kurunegala Police to contain the spread of the fire. However, due to the rapid spread of the fire within the building and the limited capability of troops to conduct internal firefighting operations, firefighting activities were subsequently continued solely by the Kurunegala Fire Brigade.

Thereafter, the troops were withdrawn from the location and returned to camp at approximately 1730 hours on the same day. The General Officer Commanding of the 57 Infantry Division and the Commander of the 571 Infantry Brigade provided the necessary instructions and guidance for the operation. Accordingly, the Commanding Officer of the 9th Battalion Sri Lanka National Guard, Major T. S. P. Kumara RSP SLNG, together with officers and troops, took all necessary measures to support the firefighting operation in accordance with the directions and guidance received.