Army Mobilizes 20,500 Troops, Rescues Thousands

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Army has activated a central operations center to coordinate nationwide disaster relief efforts amid severe flooding and landslides.

Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Army, confirmed that the center has been operational since last evening, working in close collaboration with the Navy, Air Force, Police, and Disaster Management Center.

"This operations center collects all critical information and provides assistance to affected communities," Rodrigo stated. Each Security Forces Headquarters, covering three to four districts, now has a designated coordinating officer working alongside Divisional Secretaries to execute relief programs.

Army’s response:

20,500 troops deployed for rescue and relief operations.

3,490 individuals rescued and relocated so far.

Provision of meals for displaced persons will be handled by all three armed forces.

Relief centers near military camps will receive direct support from the respective force.

Rodrigo acknowledged minor delays in areas where communication with divisional secretaries was difficult but assured these challenges are being addressed swiftly.