12th May 2026 17:12:41 Hours
Following a request from the Kurunegala District Disaster Management Center and the Irrigation Department, troops were deployed to reinforce a 30ft x 3ft stretch of the Usgala Siyabalangamuwa Tank bund. The structure was identified as being at high risk due to persistent heavy rains, the same area previously reinforced during the Ditwah cyclone.
The request was facilitated by the 57 Infantry Division. Under the guidance of the General Officer Commanding and the supervision of the Commander of the 571 Infantry Brigade, the Commanding Officer and 25 personnel from the 16 Gajaba Regiment worked dedicatedly to lay 900 sandbags along the vulnerable section of the bund.
Irrigation Department officials and members of local Farming Societies also provided vital assistance during the operation.
