Troops of the Security Force Headquarters-Wanni rose to the occasion and promptly facilitated the safe movement of more than 359 civilians, stranded in flood-hit areas of Pali Aru, Thewanpiddi, Mundalampiddi and Theththawadiya on Friday (15 December 2023).

541 Infantry Brigade troops of the 54 Infantry Division took the lead in this relief operation with the active support of under command battalions, including 5 (V) Mechanized Infantry Regiment troops.

Due to continuing rains in the Northern Province, the water level in Pali Aru has begun overflowing in the past few days, compelling the authorities to open the sluice gates in the Vavuni Kulam reservoir in Mannar District. Due to its impact, a large number of civilians and few villages in the Divisional Secretariat area of Manthei West were threatened with floods as their areas got inundated causing difficulties.

In view of those difficulties, the Commander Security Forces -Wanni Major General W.P.A.D.W Nanayakkara RSP VSP USP ndu instructed the General Officer Commanding of the 54 Infantry Division and Brigade Commander of the 541 Infantry Brigade to closely monitor developments and launch necessary emergency relief operations in affected areas, beginning early morning on Friday (15).