Over 28,000 tri-forces personnel deployed for nationwide relief operations

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

More than 28,300 tri-forces personnel have been deployed across the country to support rescue and relief efforts following the severe floods and landslides triggered by recent adverse weather, the Special Disaster Operations Media Centre said.  

Media Spokesperson and Army Media Director Brigadier Waruna Gamage said the deployment includes 25,400 Army personnel, 688 Navy personnel and 2,226 Air Force personnel, all working to normalize public life and restore transport services.  

According to the latest statistics, 1,614,790 people have been affected islandwide, while 171,490 individuals are still staying in 1,276 temporary shelters. Brigadier Gamage noted that military personnel rescued over 30,000 people trapped in floodwaters yesterday alone, as emergency teams continue to operate in several high-risk districts.  

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the death toll from the severe adverse weather conditions affecting the country has climbed to 481 as of last evening.  

According to the latest situation update, 345 people are still reported missing, with search, rescue, and relief operations continuing across several heavily impacted areas.

Sri Lanka is also receiving significant international assistance. India has deployed a 73-member medical team, a 40-member rescue team, and 37 engineers, while also supplying two Bailey bridges to help restore damaged road links. Pakistan has sent a 47-member rescue contingent, the UAE has deployed 76 personnel with 11 specialized vehicles, and Japan has dispatched a 31-member medical team to support ongoing humanitarian operations.  

Brigadier Gamage said that most major A-grade roads have been reopened except the Peradeniya–Badulla–Chenkaladi Road, Gampola–Nawalapitiya Road, Kandy–Randenigala Road, Matale–Laggala Road, Badulla–Passara–Lunugala Road, and Mullaitivu–Nayaru–Kokilai Road. Meanwhile, assessments show that 247 km of A- and B-grade roads have been damaged due to the extreme weather, along with 40 bridges. Of the 256 damaged road sections, 175 have now been reopened to traffic after rapid clearing efforts by the Road Development Authority.